The Lady Pioneers got back on the winning track Tuesday night, beating Independence from Williamson County, 4-2.
Bekah Jackson and Katie Toney led the Warren County High School attack with two goals apiece.
It was a physical game. Independence had some big, tough girls, and they were making a lot of contact throughout the match. The first half ended in a 0-0 tie.
Katie Toney put the Lady Pioneers in the lead during the first few minutes of the second half, 1-0. Independence responded with two goals, and took a 2-1 lead.
The Lady Pioneers (11-4) were being knocked to the ground throughout the match. When they were down 2-1, the Lady Pioneers became more determined. One player who became very motivated in the second half was Toney.
Toney made moves with the ball that resembled the moves of a Hall of Fame NFL running back. One play in particular stunned the crowd.
Toney was running down the sideline with the ball, and an Independence defender tried to stop her. Toney stopped, made a fake, and the Independence player lost her footing and fell to the ground, untouched.
Toney then sprinted past everyone to the goal, and she kicked the ball with power into the net. Toney’s goal tied the game, 2-2.
Later in the second half, Toney broke away again toward the goal. Toney was sprinting with the ball, and she passed the ball to Beka Jackson who was sprinting down the middle of the field with Toney.
No one was near Jackson and Jackson perfectly smashed the ball into the net. Warren County was suddenly in the lead, 3-2. Jackson scored again later in the second half, making it 4-2.
Samantha McCormick protected the net well, especially after the Lady Pioneers regained the lead. There were several picture perfect corner kicks by Independence, but the Lady Pioneers did an excellent job protecting their goal.
WCHS head coach Todd Willmore said, “Tonight was the type of game that prepares us for postseason play. A quality win for us. Independence is a good program. We saw a good team that is well-coached. I know that will help us. That is what we have been trying to do this year, play teams that are out of our comfort zone."
