(File photo) Kendra Phiri scored two goals for Republic in a shutout of Neosho.

Offense Comes Alive, Lady Tigers Whip Wildcats

It’s safe to say the early-season scoring drought is over for the Lady Tigers soccer team. Republic scored eight goals last night, shutting out Neosho and ending the game early with an 8-0 victory while more than 25 minutes remained in the second half.

Cadence Lugar led the way with two goals and two assists. Kendra Phiri also scored two goals. Emma Jaquess scored one goal and assisted on another. Josalyn Weymuth, Kaylee Cornelsen, and Aylora Crowe scored one goal each, and Molly Blades had two assists.

“I thought we just moved the ball around nicely, playing very unselfish and finding the open players,” said coach Kevin Hauck. “It was great to see.”

Republic’s eight-goal outburst more-than-doubled the team’s previous scoring through the first eight games of the season. The Lady Tigers’ young lineup has struggled to take advantage of scoring opportunities, especially because of its difficult front-loaded schedule. Republic was shut out five times – but its opponents in those games have a combined record of 35-15.

The Lady Tigers had scored only seven goals before Tuesday. But in its last three games, Republic has outscored its opponent 11-3.

“I believe the last three games for us have been better, and I see us improving,” Hauck said. “We can be a dangerous team down the stretch if we keep pushing ourselves and get better each game.”

Republic will get an opportunity to continue its offensive turnaround at home against 8-2 Carl Junction Thursday.

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