The only thing that added up faster than Republic goals on Tuesday night was the money raised for autism awareness. The Lady Tigers scored early and often as they pounded Branson 7-1 in their annual Autism Speaks fundraising game.
Republic also raised $5,500 for the cause of autism awareness, pushing the total raised by the boys and girls soccer programs in three seasons to more than $30,000. Coach Mike Hines, who coaches both teams, says the community service and fundraising is an important part of the program for him and his players.
“We have to believe that high school athletics are more than wins and losses, so this is something that we try to do to have that illustrated to the kids,” Hines says. “They seem to want to participate each season, so I see it as a win-win for everybody.”
The game was lopsided from the beginning. Less than five minutes in, Shelby King fed Sara Marcotte for the opening goal, and the rout was on. Marcotte added two more goals within the next five minutes, giving her an early hat trick and making the lead 3-0.
Branson scored its only goal with 25:30 left in the half, when a free kick arched high into the goal, just off the outstretched fingertips of Republic goalkeeper Taylor Patton.
It didn’t take long for Republic to answer. Thirty seconds later, Lesleigh Fenton scored to make it 4-1. And as soon as the ball was reset at midfield, Fenton took it through the Branson defense for another goal 50 seconds later.
In the second half, Marcotte scored her fourth goal of the game with 35 minutes remaining. A goal by Sierra Casagrand later in the half made the score 7-1.
“We were well-rested, and that makes a big difference,” says Hines. “The weather is good. Everybody is happy to be outside, the sun is shining, and I think they were ready to come out and play a game. Mentally, they were ready for it.”