Republic controlled every inch of the field Thursday, dominating previously unbeaten Rogersville 3-0 on the Wildcats’ home turf. Rogersville had scored 22 goals in its first four wins, but they were barely able to get a shot off against Republic’s high-pressure play. Republic’s midfield held onto the ball throughout the night, often taking it away from the Wildcats before the could cross midfield. The Lady Tigers’ back line shut down Rogersville when it did occasionally push forward. And Republic’s front line, consistently fed the ball by Republic’s accurate midfielders, kept the pressure on goal throughout the night.
Republic missed a few scoring opportunities in the first half, but the Lady Tigers finally got on the board with 5:43 on the clock. Molly Blades, who had moved from the left to the right wing just a few minutes earlier, drew Rogersville goalie Samantha Kendall to her, then crossed the ball in the middle to Adison Gibbs. Gibbs tapped it into the middle of the open net to make it 1-0.
Early in the second half, Republic got back on the board again. Paige Elsenraat delivered a long cross-field pass from left to right and found Molly Blades near the top right corner of the goal box. Blades wound up and fired the ball back the other way from 18 yards out, finding the left side of the net and making the score 2-0.
The final goal of the night belonged to Ava Brown, who stepped up for a penalty kick after a foul was called against Rogersville in the box.
The Lady Tigers’ defensive line dazzled all night. Ava Brown, Brooklyn and Bria Claxton, and Kendra Phiri continually stepped in front of Rogersville’s passes for freshman Maddie Lou Schuburte, whose scoring runs had fueled the Wildcat offense in their early wins. The defenders also provided support for the midfield, where Kaylee Cornelsen, Callie Jaquess, and Cadence Lugar—among others—each made it difficult at times for Rogersville to turn the ball up-field.
The loss drops Rogersville to 4-1. Republic improves to 2-0.
