The Lady Pioneer soccer season came to an abrupt end Tuesday when Stone Memorial came into the second round of the district tournament and dashed any hopes of Warren County advancing to the championship.
The Lady Panthers defeated the Lady Pioneers 6-1 with an accurate offense that did not overwhelm Warren County with shots. Rather the shots Stone Memorial fired were right on target.
WCHS coach Todd Willmore said, “Obviously the outcome was not what I expected. I did a poor job of properly motivating the girls and Stone Memorial took advantage.”
The Lady Panthers controlled the ball much of the first half. In the first 40 minutes of play, Stone Memorial fired just six times at Lady Pioneer goalie Bailey Walker. It was their constant pursuit of the ball that paid off for Stone Memorial and 10 minutes into the game the Lady Panthers found the back of the net for the first time.
Warren County looked slower out of the gate and never found its rhythm on offense. As far as the defense, the Lady Pioneers were playing behind a Stone Memorial offense that was in attack mode on every possession.
The Lady Panther offense kept Emma Mullican and Bethany Porter on their heels defensively. Mamy plays were kicked out and left Stone Memorial with a corner kick.
Warren County only had two shot opportunities in the first half. Madison Mason and Sally Willmore attempted shots with no score.
The Lady Panthers cleared the ball and immediately kicked the ball over the Lady Pioneer defense. After the pass ahead it was a footrace. In the first half, Warren County did a decent job getting back and limited Stone Memorial to just a pair of goals by halftime and after the first 40 minutes Stone Memorial led 2-0.
It did not get any better in the second half for Warren County. Stone Memorial continued to push the tempo. The Lady Pioneers did a better job keeping the ball on their side of the field in the second half.
Warren County fired at the Stone Memorial goal nine times throughout the second half and just could not find the angle. Stone Memorial loaded the box with defenders when the Lady Pioneer offense threatened.
The only Warren County goal came with 10:34 to play. Natalie Reed beat the Lady Panther defender and went one-on-one with the goalie. Reed unloaded her shot as the goalie committed to defend. Reed’s shot hit the back of the net and put Warren County on the board.
It was another physical matchup for the Lady Pioneers. Players from both teams drew yellow cards and in the second half the officials pulled their red cards to try and regain control the game.
Stone Memorial led 6-1 and ran out the clock against a frustrated Lady Pioneer team. Each team received a red card as time expired on Warren County’s season.
Coach Willmore added, “You have to give them credit. They played a hard, physical match and we were unable to get any kind of rhythm. I should have done a better job coaching our girls and preparing them for the match. I am disappointed for our team, especially our seniors.”
Willmore went on to report this senior class won 49 games, won a district championship, were district runners-up three times, played in two regional championships, and appeared in two sectional matches.
“I am very proud of the growth and maturation of this senior class. They are a very talented group of soccer players, but more importantly they are even better people. We will miss them.” said Willmore.