Every game is a new adventure for the young Lady Pioneer soccer team and coach Todd Willmore. Saturday’s visit to Tullahoma was the first road trip for the squad, and it brought mixed results.
Playing in the Southern Middle Tennessee Invitational, Warren County finished 1-1. The Lady Pioneers opened with a 3-2 victory over Tullahoma before falling 5-1 against Lincoln County.
“I’m proud of the girls. We had some girls who played a JV game and then in two varsity games,” said Willmore. “We had girls step up. This is a fun group. They’re fun to be around, they work hard and they understand what it’s going to take to be successful.
“I’m hopeful by the end of the year, we’ll be there. We’re gradually putting it together.”
After a tough 2-0 loss in their season opener last week against Ooltewah, the Lady Pioneers got off to a sluggish start Saturday in Tullahoma. Warren County found itself in a similar position as the first game when it allowed an early goal to the Lady Wildcats.
Fortunes finally started to change right before halftime, when Warren County got on the board for the first time this season.
Savannah Cox took a corner kick and played a long ball in front of the Tullahoma net. Sam Ramsey rushed in, surprising the Tullahoma defense when she was able to get a foot on the ball and play it straight into the net.
“It was a beautiful corner. Sam came out of nowhere to get a foot on the ball. It was a sweet goal,” said Willmore.
The Lady Pioneers surged after the score.
Freshman Katie Toney took over in the second half. Toney broke the tie in the first minutes of the second half, going top shelf on a free kick from 30 yards.
Moments later, Toney rushed through three Tullahoma defenders, drawing all the attention to herself before dropping off a pass. Sarai Ruiz did the rest, burying an open look to make it 3-1.
Tullahoma got back within one score late, but the Lady Pioneers smothered the ball down the stretch to earn their first win.
Warren County was nearly out of steam by the time it took the field against Lincoln County.
The Lady Pioneers fell behind 3-0 in the first half, but got a jolt again in the second half from Toney.
The freshman phenom took matters into her own hands, getting a ball and weaving through traffic. Toney was able to shake free from 3-4 defenders while attacking from an angle, then played a shot to the backside corner, sliding the shot in for a score.
“Once Katie scored, we shook out of the tiredness. All the girls picked up the pace and got some momentum,” said Willmore. “We kept up some high pressure and had chances, but couldn’t make up the goals.”
After attempts to get back in the game stalled, Lincoln County finished off Warren County with two late goals.
Warren County went back to work Tuesday night with a home game against Riverdale. Results were unavailable at press time. Check Friday’s Standard for details.
