Back in the Sweet 16 for the first time in three years, the Lady Marshals played at Region 3 winner Daviess County Tuesday, both teams battling the cold, windy conditions. Two first half goals from Daviess County’s Natalie Hinchcliffe 11 minutes into the game and one by Marshall County’s Bailey Wood two and half minutes before halftime, would be the only goals in regulation, sending the game into overtime tied 1-1.
Halfway through the five-minute overtime, Hinchcliffe scored the golden goal for the Lady Panthers to win the Semi State 1 match and advance to the round of eight where they will play Russell, the Semi-State 8 winner over Perry County Central 10-0.
“If you watch the game, they were on our end more than we like for sure”, Head Coach Michael Boone said. “They have a ton of weapons, are extremely athletic but as far as the game plan goes for the most part, we matched it and executed fairly well and couldn’t put those last touches together.”
Daviess County had 29 shots in the game, 13 on goal and six corners. The Lady Marshals had five shots, three on goal and two corners. The Lady Panthers dominated time of possession but couldn’t find the net more than twice because of the great play by Marshall County goalkeeper Carlen Whirley who had 11 saves.
Boone said he can’t say enough great things about the team on and off the field, adding they like being around one another and have been a joy to be around as a coach. A team he feels has given soccer fans something to smile about this season and hopes the regional championship trend continues
This season’s regional championship was the 18th for the Marshall County girl’s soccer program. They finish the season with a 16-8-1 record.
Boone couldn’t say enough great things about his seniors who won a region championship their freshman and senior years. The six seniors playing their final game as a Lady Marshal are Elizabeth Castleberry, Camryn Crass, Lauren Powell, Pamela Ross, Bailey Wood and Summer Williams.
Scores from the Semi-state round of 16:
Daviess County 2, Marshall County 1
Bowling Green 2, Henderson 0
Sacred Heart 4, Bethlehem 0
Simon Kenton 9, North Bullitt 0
Notre Dame 4, Lexington Catholic 1
West Jessamine 3, Georger Rogers Clark 0
Corbin 2, Prestonburg 1
Russell 10, Perry County Central 0