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Wlaf1450TOP PHOTO: Freshman Alejandra Fernandez clears the ball.
By Amber Cowell
HUNTSVILLE, TN (WLAF) – Under new head coach, Erik Hill, the Lady Cougar soccer squad traveled North for their season opener against the Scott High Lady Highlanders Thursday evening. This meeting always promises to be a physical match, and this game did not disappoint.
See the full photo gallery HERE.
The match began with high paced ball movement from both teams. The Lady Cougars were kept on defense for the better part of the first half with Scott High able to score the first goal in the 15th minute. The defense held strong, and the end of the first half had the Lady Cougars trailing 0-1.
The Lady Cougars’ offense seemed to come alive at the beginning of the second half and started to attack Scott’s defense. In the 46th minute Junior, Kylie Ivey kicked a beautiful cross to awaiting Sophomore Jessa Riggs who was able to tie the game 1-1. Unfortunately, the celebration was short lived as the Lady Highlanders scored within the next minute.
Freshman keeper Ali Jessee had a magnificent showing with more saves than one could count. Despite Jessee’s efforts, Scott scored again in the 65th minute.
The Lady Cougars did not give up and continued to battle for the ball and move the ball upfield. This determination paid off in the 79th minute when Freshman Alejandra Fernandez completed a perfect pass to Freshman Kylee Suttles who was able to score her first goal of the season.
The score was 2-3 with the Lady Cougars falling to the Scott High Lady Highlanders when the final whistle blew.
When asked his thoughts of the game Coach Hill said, “I was so proud of the fight in our girls tonight. Ugly game but a tremendous battle. Beautiful goals and strong defense all night.”
Hill went on to say “We all hate losing, but those girls left it on the field.”
Campbell County hosts Cumberland Gap Monday, August 21, at 6:30. All home games have free admission to Campbell County students. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/18/2023-6AM)