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Lady Lions Down Norcross 1-0

03/16/2011, 5:00am EDT
By Staff

Defense is Superb and Key to Lion Victory

Video Highlights

In a match that ebb'd and flowed all night, the Lady Lions came away with a crucial Region 7 victory on Wednesday night at Lion Stadium by the score of 1-0. 

Most of the battle was waged between the 18-yard lines, as both teams would gain posession and try to find a way through the other's defense.  While quality chances were few and far between, Lion Goal Keeper McCall Gardner was forced to make a couple of brilliant saves.

"We played well tonight," stated Lion Coach Bill Holleman, "and we will take a Region win any time.  I am proud of the girls, they fought hard and did not take Norcross for granted."  Norcross came into the game with a 2-3 record, but two of those losses were only 1-0 scores.  "They are a good team with several very good players, and they kept us on our toes all night."

After a scoreless first half, the Lions pressed hard for a goal which came with 20 minutes to go in the game.  Junior midfielder Shelby Jennings took a pass at the 25 yard-line from junior midfield partner Emily Edmond.  Jennings unleashed a shot and, just like it had eyes, the ball found the space between the outstretched arms of the Norcross keeper and the crossbar - landing in the back of the net.  This was the second goal of the season for Jennings, and it was almost identical to her first, which came when she teamed with Edmond to score the game-winning goal in the South Aiken contest.

Shelby Jennings launches the game winning shot with her left foot against Norcross

"Our defense was superb tonight," commented coach Holleman.  "Gardner, Katey Lippit, Melissa Lay, and Baillie Burmaster put the breaks on each of the Blue Devil opportunities.  My hats off to them tonight.  Keeping another Region 7 team scoreless, especially a talented team like Norcross, is not an easy task. Edmond, Olivia Hall and Phoebe Palmer pressured the ball and Blue Devil defense all night." 

Next on the schedule for the Lady Lions is a region match against the Collins Hill Eagles next Tuesday night at Eagle Stadium.  Game time is 5:55pm.  Be There!

Tag(s): Lions News