The slow starts that plagued Republic all season proved fatal in the Class 4 District 5 Tournament Tuesday at Kickapoo High School. Glendale capitalized on early opportunities in both halves to eliminate the Lady Tigers with a 3-0 victory.
The Falcons pounced when Republic goalkeeper Awbree Berning ventured off her line, leaving the net unprotected with 29:46 remaining in the first half. Glendale doubled its advantage early in the second half, scoring off a rebound after Berning deflected a shot with a diving attempt. The Falcons sealed the win with a corner kick that curled directly into the goal at the 17:32 mark.
“We’ve talked about it almost every game—the first 10 minutes of every half,” said Republic coach Jesus Zuniga. “It’s not for lack of effort or lack of heart. (Glendale) is a very well-respected program.”
The defeat ended Republic’s season at 14-9, despite an 0-3 start. The Lady Tigers posted 11 shutouts in their 14 victories.
Zuniga said he will remember this year’s group for its “flexibility and willingness to learn. They knew their strengths and weaknesses and were willing to adapt. Through all the adversity, they’ve always laid it out there.”
Republic found offensive production from multiple sources throughout the season, adapting as injuries hit the team at various times.
“I think we ended up with 10 different goal scorers. Freshmen got vital minutes. Old players became new players because of injuries,” Zuniga said. “They didn’t give up until the end.”
The loss highlighted the challenge Republic faces in breaking through against traditional postseason powers.
“Glendale, Kickapoo, Nixa, and Ozark—they’re like the Webb Cities of football when it comes to playoffs,” Zuniga said. “It’s hard to do it consistently when we haven’t done it consistently, but that senior group has really started to lay a foundation. I think these girls believe that we can pull one over at some point.”
Six seniors—Kaylee Cornelsen, Adison Gibbs, Cadence Lugar, Claire Redman, Sophie Woolfenden, and Giulia Spiridon—played their final match for Republic.
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