The Republic Lady Tigers tied a program record with their ninth consecutive win Thursday, beating Carl Junction 3-1 on the road. Republic had a .500 record (4-4) just 19 days ago when the winning streak began. They are now 13-4 overall and 6-0 in the Central Ozark Conference.
They’ve been playing with a lead for most of the past three weeks, but Thursday, the Lady Tigers had to come from behind. Carl Junction scored first after Republic defender Brooklyn Claxton went down on hard contact and the ball found its way to Carl Junction’s Sarah Buchele. Buchele fired a shot over the head of Republic goalkeeper Awbree Berning, making it 1-0 with 32:45 left in the first half.
Republic tied it up with 17:55 left in the half. Kaylee Cornelsen stole the ball around midfield and found Molly Blades, who passed ahead to a streaking Claire Redman. Redman dribbled into open space on the right side of the box and angled a shot into the left side of the goal to even the score 1-1.
About 10 minutes later, Republic took the lead for good when Cornelsen’s corner kick deflected off a Carl Junction defender and trickled into the back side of the goal, making it 2-1.
The Lady Tigers put the game away with about 10 1/2 minutes remaining. Kendra Phiri lofted the ball to Mati Carpenter, who played it to Redman about 15 yards from the goal. Redman left-footed the ball through a defender’s legs and inside the left post, giving Republic a 3-1 lead.
Republic’s 13 wins are the most since 2021, when Republic finished 14-10.
The only other time Republic won nine consecutive games was in 2013. The Lady Tigers can set a new mark this weekend at the Jefferson City Shootout.