When winning was assured for the Lady Pioneers on senior night, the entire team embarked on a new mission before the final whistle. If it was going to be the final home game for Hailey Simpson, Brooklyn Wanamaker and Carmen Verdel, they were all going to go out with goals.
All three seniors were able to find the back of the net Thursday in an empathic 8-0 victory over DeKalb County. Verdel did most of her work early, scoring three of her four goals and adding an assist during an offensive onslaught from the first whistle. Simpson and Wanamaker were able to score late, then Verdel capped the night with the final score before the Lady Pioneers showered their seniors with affection after the game.
“I love how supportive our girls are of each other. They were really wanting to make sure the seniors all scored – every time someone got it (late), they passed it to one of those three seniors,” said coach Kimberly Smith. “These seniors have been great for us. The girls work together and played so hard. These three are tremendous leaders and teammates and couldn’t be more proud of them. We will miss them so much.”
A night to salute the seniors got started with the Lady Pioneers showing off the future of the program. Freshman Addison Steakley kicked off the scoring, getting Warren County off to a quick start when she ran under a perfect centering pass from Verdel in front of the net and tapped it in before the first minute was completed.
Verdel took over from there, scoring three of her team’s next four goals – sandwiching them around a score from sophomore Jayla Garibaldi. Verdel, who now has scored three or more goals in two of the team’s last four matches, showed off her versatile offensive arsenal on the scores.
Her first was a rocket from the right edge, clearing two defenders and sailing over the keeper as it tucked into the left corner of the goal. Verdel’s speed was also highlighted on scores, as was her knack for finding the perfect space and pace to finish.
“Carmen has controlled our middle of the field all year. She works so hard every single game and practice and pushed everyone else to do so too,” said Smith.
It was a slow night for Simpson, who coach Smith says has “stepped up and played center back for us and killed it,” defensively as Warren County’s offense stole the show. She didn’t miss out on her chance to shine late though, showing off her powerful leg on a big blast from on top of the 18-yard box for a late goal.
Excitement rushed through the team as Simpson got to celebrate her score on senior night.
“Hailey’s been a great leader on and off the field. She has been solid back on defense and we couldn’t have asked for better play,” said Smith.
Teammates had a similar reaction when Wanamaker scored her goal. The senior has shown tremendous growth in her game over the last three seasons, first breaking in as an all-district keeper as a sophomore before making the transition to playing the field the last two seasons.
Her goal was a change of pace from her usual task, something coach Smith and the Lady Pioneers loved to see.
“Brooklyn is a great leader and we give her lots of tasks. She’s marked up the best player on the opposing teams this year and she shuts them down every single time. She works so hard every game and helps remind the team to have fun while doing so too,” said Smith.
Warren County will get to carry the momentum of the senior night win into the District 9AAA tournament this week. The Lady Pioneers will play at Shelbyville Thursday to start the single elimination tourney. With a win against the Eagles, Warren County would advance to face top-seeded Lincoln County on Tuesday, Oct. 10. The finals are set to be played Thursday, Oct. 12.
