Republic overcame a sluggish start with a six-goal second half to defeat Springfield Central 7-1 Tuesday at Harrison Stadium in Springfield.
After a 1-1 halftime deadlock, the Lady Tigers erupted with three goals in the first 14 minutes of the second half to take command.
“I think our first half we came out kind of sluggish, probably going in a little bit too underwhelming,” said Claire Redman, who scored twice for Republic. “And Coach Z(uniga) really gave us a good talking to at halftime and told us we needed to play more direct and pass the ball instead of just shooting from way too far out.”
Central struck first when Journey Hill scored on a breakaway with 22:20 remaining in the first half. Redman equalized about 10 minutes later, taking a pass from Macey Mitchell and finding the left side of the net.
Kaylee Cornelsen ignited Republic’s second-half surge with a powerful 20-yard strike to the top half of the net less than three minutes after intermission. Just 64 seconds later, Andie Wistrom converted a pass from Cornelsen to make it 3-1.
Cornelsen added her second goal with 27:43 remaining to extend the lead to 4-1. Wistrom scored again when her shot bounced off a defender, then tipped off the Central goalkeeper’s fingertips with about 11:30 to play. Redman and Mitchell completed the scoring in the final nine minutes.
“I just think we had a great halftime talk and we just all came together,” said Wistrom. “We were thinking more of the team and not individually, and connecting with each other really well.”
Wistrom, who has emerged as a key contributor in her freshman season, credited her teammates for easing her transition to varsity competition. “I’m getting a lot more comfortable because the girls are so supportive and that’s what makes playing varsity so fun — having Coach Z and the girls support me through the ups and downs,” she said.
The victory was Republic’s third straight, during which they’ve outscored opponents 18-1. The Lady Tigers improved to 6-5 this season and will face Rogersville on Thursday as part of the Kickapoo Shootout.
