Republic goalkeeper Awbree Berning and Willard’s Harper Floyd anchored their defenses in a physical, grinding match Monday night, but Willard found the net twice in the second half to hand the Lady Tigers a 2-0 defeat in a showdown between previously unbeaten Central Ozark Conference West teams.
The teams battled through a scoreless first half in a contest marked by tough contact and tight marking. Berning made several key stops to keep the match level, including a diving save with about 30 minutes left in the first half. Floyd was equally impressive for Willard, shutting down Republic’s early opportunities.
Republic generated some offensive pressure early in the second half. Adison Gibbs fired a shot with 35 minutes remaining that required a save from Floyd. Claire Redman followed with another attempt from 30 yards out a minute later, but Willard’s defense held firm.
Midway through the second half, Willard finally broke through. With 23:51 left to play, Kallie Reiber found the back of the net on a cross to the back post, giving Willard a 1-0 lead.
Republic responded with renewed pressure. Cadence Lugar got a shot off with 23:15 remaining, but Floyd was there for the save. With about 22:00 left, Republic just missed a connection to Ava Woolley that would have likely resulted in a backdoor goal.
Berning continued her standout performance with several more saves, including another diving stop with about 14 minutes remaining. But Willard doubled its advantage when Katelyn Magee scored on a rebound with approximately 8:30 left, making it 2-0.
Republic had more chances down the stretch. Gibbs got into the box with possession but defenders cut off her shooting angle. With two minutes remaining, Andie Wistrom played a great ball through to Gibbs, but Gibbs’s shot across the face of the goal from a difficult angle didn’t find the target.
Republic had one final chance on a corner kick in the last minute, but a deflection and save by Floyd preserved the shutout.
“We just knew whoever got the first goal, that’d be the difference maker,” Republic coach Jesus Zuniga said. “I mean, neither team’s given up a goal in the COC West.”
Zuniga said missed opportunities cost his team, after they converted on their chances Saturday against Rock Bridge. “The girls fought hard. They had moments. When we played Rock Bridge, we had two moments, and we finished them. So if we don’t finish our chances early, then those start to linger.”
The Lady Tigers won’t have long to dwell on the defeat. “The good thing is, is we get to play tomorrow,” Zuniga said. “I’ll be able to tell from the warmup if we’re ready to go.”
The Lady Tigers will face Carthage on Tuesday.
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