As Boyle County’s shot with 11 seconds left in the game landed in the back of the net, Deer Park Elementary Field was left in stunned silence. In the blink of an eye, what had been a 4-4 game turned into a heartbreaking loss for Daviess County.
“I know it’s just the second game, but the way we battled tonight, and I am excited about what is to come this season,” Daviess County head coach Paige Crisp said. “They are a good team, and we knew they would be strong, but they applied pressure on us all night long. I think we handled ourselves really well, and we bounced back when we got down, and I am proud of the effort.”
Hosting one of the top teams in the state, Daviess County fell behind early 2-1, but tied it entering halftime. Less than three minutes into the second half, Mary Evelyn Wiman scored her second goal of the game, this one on a penalty kick to put the Lady Panthers ahead.
Their lead would be short-lived as Boyle County dominated possession and peppered Daviess County goalie Kaelin Labhart with shot after shot. The senior recorded two of her six saves in the span of a minute, but was beaten shortly after to tie the game. Building off momentum, Boyle County regained the lead halfway through the second, but Daviess County responded in kind.
Pinpointing the bouncing ball in the middle of a scrum, Bella Coombs won possession and launched it passed the goalie’s outstretched hand into the net. Over the last 10 minutes, the Lady Panthers had their share of opportunities to put the game away, but fell short.
Wiman led the Lady Panthers with two goals, while Coombs and Hadley Morris both scored. Crisp attributed her team’s ability to bounce back throughout the game to her senior class.
“Tonight, you could see some of the senior experience and senior leadership show up,” Crisp said. “I think you saw tonight how they didn’t get frazzled. Whenever we were down, they stayed focused and were able to bounce back. I believe that says a lot about the older girls.”
Lady Aces move to 2-0 on the season
Hosting Christian Academy-Louisville, Owensboro Catholic’s Jenna Brey, Allie Marston, and Annabelle Hancock all scored to power their team to a 3-1 win. Felicity Payne was a brick wall in net, finishing with seven saves.
“We came out a little timid at first, but very quickly got into our groove,” Owensboro Catholic head coach Meg Pattons said. “The girls played great passes, and we had amazing through balls from our midfielders, Ireland Quinn, Meredith Traylor, and Jenna Brey. Our wings, Scarlett Isenbarger and Annabelle Hancock, created many chances for us on crosses. Christian Academy-Louisville was a very good team to play before our district match on Tuesday against Daviess County. Our effort as a team was phenomenal and again, so fun to watch.”
