Republic unleashed its offense in an 8-0 win over Monett Tuesday, scoring more goals in a single night than in its first three matches combined. The Lady Tigers had managed just two goals in their previous three contests.
Adison Gibbs notched a hat trick, and Macey Mitchell added two goals of her own as Republic controlled the game from start to finish. The victory marked the first win of the season for Republic, improving their record to 1-3.
Awbree Berning preserved the shutout with a key penalty kick save in the first half, moving to her left to block the shot and then securing the rebound. Republic had conceded penalty kick goals in each of its first three matches.
The scoring began just three minutes into the first half when Gibbs redirected a short corner cross into the middle of the net. Eight minutes later, Mitchell beat a defender and fired a shot from right to left into the side of the net, extending the lead to 2-0.
After Berning’s penalty kick save, Republic’s offense continued to build momentum. With 15:14 remaining, Emma Hoodenpyle found Gibbs on the back post, and Gibbs finished to make it 3-0. Republic added another goal at the 10:50 mark when Mitchell delivered a cross along the ground from the right wing, and Claire Redman punched it into the left side of the net.
Gibbs completed her hat trick with 8:05 left, converting a feed from Cadence Lugar from the midfield to push the lead to 5-0.
Defender Bria Claxton contributed both a goal and an assist in the victory. She assisted on Mitchell’s second goal and later scored on a free kick from about 15 yards out on the left wing.
Andie Wistrom capped the scoring with a highlight-reel goal, weaving through the defense, attempting to lay the ball off to a teammate, then recollecting the deflection and beating the goalkeeper. It was Wistrom’s first career varsity goal.
Republic will look to build on its momentum when they face Lighthouse Christian Academy at 9:00 Saturday morning.
