Republic’s bid for the Central Ozark Conference West title stalled Thursday night, suffering a 1-0 loss to Willard on Senior Night. The loss dropped Republic a game back with one left to play.
Kallie Reiber scored the game’s only goal early in the second half after Willard broke through up the left side and goalkeeper Awbree Berning was a step short of cutting the angle in time. From there, Republic pushed to even it, but couldn’t solve Willard goalkeeper Harper Floyd, who kept Republic out of the net. Republic finished with eight shots on goal to Willard’s four.
“That’s the way the game goes. This sport is so funny because you may think you’re the better team. It doesn’t really matter because you just need one goal. Unfortunately, we’re the one that had less.”
Republic fell to 14-9. Willard improved to 13-7-2.
Despite the loss, Republic has posted double-digit wins for the third straight season — a mark the program didn’t reach in Zuniga’s first year. He’s credited this senior class with much of that growth.
“This is the first group I’ve had all four years, so that’s always gonna hold a special place,” Zuniga said. “Look at the program — first year we’re 8-13, and then double-digit wins the last two seasons, and this year.”
Zuniga credited the current senior class with growing the number of girls who want to play for the program and who participate in off-season workouts.
Republic has one more regular-season game at Parkview on May 12. They open the district tournament the following week.
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