The Lady Tigers celebrated their seniors, then shut out Webb City. Republic won 2-0 to post its fifth consecutive victory and fifth consecutive shutout. During their five-game winning streak, Republic has outscored its opponents 21-0.
The return of senior Emily Jordan from injury marked the beginning of the offensive turnaround for Republic. But the defense has been spotless in that time, anchored by defender Grace Lightfoot. Lightfoot says better possession in the midfield by Republic has made a difference all over the field.
“I think it helps being able to possess the ball better up top, and not having the ball in our defense the whole game,” says Lightfoot. “It really frustrates our defense when the ball is back in our section the entire game and we don’t have time to catch our breath. When we’re possessing the ball, playing better, and communicating better, it makes things on the field better.”
Republic scored its first goal in the 12th minute, courtesy of Anna Jones. The Lady Tigers added their second goal about midway through the second half, when Abbie Hicks’ shot was deflected and Jordan was there to power it into the net. The Lady Tigers had several other opportunities to score, but couldn’t tack on any more goals, despite controlling possession for most of the second half.
Keeper Tara Campbell, who spent the first two-thirds of the season under continuous fire, sees a big difference in the past couple of weeks.
“I guess EJ was the heart of the team and she’s our leader, and when she came back, everyone was really happy and we were so excited,” Campbell says. “It’s a lot less stressful for sure. Before, I was getting shot after shot, but now that is back, it has really let up a lot. I like it.”
Before the game, Republic honored eight seniors: Jessica Laster, Jordan, Danielle Beck, Sydney Gill, Anna Strusz, Lauryl Hyde, Grace Cremeans, and Aleigha Balk-Adank.
Republic improves to 8-11. The Lady Tigers host Carl Junction in a make-up game Wednesday night.
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Farr Better Player of the Game
It might be easy to overlook the defense when your team is scoring as prolifically as the Lady Tigers over their past five games. But while the offense explodes, the defense has been as steady as ever. Goalkeeper Tara Campbell has posted five consecutive shutouts, Grace Lightfoot continues to be a strong anchor in the middle of the backfield, and the entire Lady Tigers defense is tonight’s Farr Better Player(s) of the Game.
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