If there has been one team that has caused the WCMS Lady Pioneers some sleepless nights over the last few years, it has been the Tullahoma Wildcats. On Monday, Warren County got its redemption on the pitch.
Breezy Hernandez notched the game-winning goal with 2:30 to play as the Lady Pioneers defeated Tullahoma 2-1 at home in a pivotal Central Tennessee Conference matchup. Emory MacDonald also scored for Warren County, which is now 3-0 this season.
Tullahoma has been one of the strongest teams in the CTC the last few years and owned a four-year winning streak over the Lady Pioneers entering the matchup. For a moment, it looked like Tullahoma may add some additional torment when it scored with 10 minutes left to tie the game, but the Lady Pioneers wouldn’t quit.
Warren County pushed the ball deep into the Tullahoma zone, using Ashlyn Bailey’s speed and strength to get possession in the right corner of the visitor’s zone. In an instant, the Lady Pioneers were able to play a perfect cross toward the middle and Hernandez arrived at the perfect time. Her shot fluttered toward the goal, just inches over the outstretched hands of the keeper before landing in the net and causing a huge celebration.
“The girls kept fighting to the end and Breezy was in the perfect position to hit a shot on frame for the winning score,” said coach Todd Willmore.
Warren County had to sweat out the last two minutes, but Tullahoma never threatened as the back line and Kinsley Simpson – a sixth grader who stood tall in the net all night – preserved the win.
“The back line played extremely well and Kinsley made numerous saves for us. We felt like it was a great overall effort by the entire team,” said Willmore.
Warren County got off to a great start behind an impressive effort by MacDonald. She was on the move instantly once Noelle Bratcher spotted her up front, sending a perfect ball forward for MacDonald to chase. MacDonald was able to turn quickly and get by her defender before sending one sailing by Tullahoma’s keeper.
“It was an excellent goal. Emory had the defender on her back and was able to hold her off and get a clean shot across the keeper’s face,” said Willmore.
Tullahoma showed its aggression through the middle part of the match, routinely testing Warren County in hopes of gaining the upper hand. The Lady Pioneers were ready as Bratcher and Summer Wanamaker were strong in the middle and Hernandez and Addisyn Watson were active on the edges.
Warren County will get the chance to keep rolling to wins this Friday when it travels to Shelbyville to take on Harris. The match is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.
