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Senior night spoiled
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Photo courtesy of Painted Barn Media Elijah Smith and the Lions were downed 4-1 on senior night.
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Covenant Academy honored three seniors at Monday's senior night. The three senior Lions are, from left, Alex Stovall, Andrew Palmer and Emma Grace Madewell.
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Photo courtesy of Painted Barn Media Ian Lyles tries to work the ball upfield for the Lions on Monday at home. Covenant Academy fell 4-1 to visiting West Academy.

It wasn’t the ending three Covenant players wanted.

The Lions were defeated 4-1 by West Academy on Monday, spoiling the senior night for Emma Grace Madewell, Alex Stovall and Andrew Palmer.

“It was hard losing,” said Covenant coach Chris Madewell. "West Academy outsized us. We were not able to control the ball against them as well as we did the first time we played them. It was obvious their coach wanted them to be more physical against us in this game and it worked. We were not able to match their speed and strength."

Covenant (6-2) came into the game as the TNCAA southern division leader thanks to a 2-1 win over West Academy last week. 

The Thunderbirds were able to sweep in and steal the top spot away from the Lions on Monday, breaking a 1-1 tie in the first half with three unanswered goals late.

Elijah Smith had the lone goal for the Lions.

Hopes were high entering the matchup, especially after giving a special send-off to three seniors. Emma Grace and Stovall each played in Monday’s game, though Palmer was unable to play due to a shoulder injury.

Covenant’s coach had plenty of praise for his seniors, who have helped established the Lions as one of the top programs in the TNCAA the last three years. 

Emma Grace has been a standout for Covenant since taking the soccer field, giving her coach – and dad – a trustworthy presence in the middle of the field.

“Emma Grace has been a force for us. You don’t see many girls playing in the center of the field, they’re usually back on defense. She’s very steady and does a lot of things for us,” said Madewell.

Never one to pile up goals, Stovall can sometimes be overlooked. Madewell knows all-too-well what the senior contributes though.

“If we had to pick an MVP, it would probably be Alex,” said Madewell. “His speed has saved so many goals for us defensively. He is always in the right place. He does so many things well for us.”

As for his missing senior, Madewell feels the impact of his absence each game.

“Drew has a really strong leg. It’s a weapon,” said Madewell. “We miss it. He was always going to take our free kicks and he added a different dimension for us.”

The Lions will get a chance to bounce back Thursday, weather permitting. Covenant is scheduled to finish the regular season at Lancaster Academy. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.