Considered a favorite coming into the Semi-state Sweet 16 after beating Owensboro Catholic on Sept. 26 by a final score of 7-1, the Lady Marshals know it’s anyone’s game when post-season play rolls around and Saturday’s cold rainy state tournament game at Colburn Stadium proved just that.
A goal by Owensboro Catholic’s Madeline Hayden 27 minutes into the first half would be the lone goal of the game and enough for the Lady Aces to advance to the Elite Eight round of the state tournament.
Just minutes into the game, a shot on goal by the Lady Marshals hit off the right goal post and just before the Owensboro Catholic goal, Kelsey Crass with a nice look was saved by Lady Aces keeper Abby Payne.
Kallen Fuller’s shot on goal at 33:27 in the second half missed just high over the goal and a shot by Hope Howard at 24:57 was pulled in by Payne. Owensboro Catholic’s direct kick with 17 minutes to go hit off the cross bar and their defensive plan kicked into high gear in the closing minutes as the Lady Marshals hit them with attack after attack but just couldn’t get the tying goal in the net.
“ The majority of the second half we just didn’t pull the trigger or just didn’t have enough leg on it”, Head Coach Michael Boone said.
This is the fourth straight season-ending game for the Lady Marshals in the first round of the state playoffs.
“I hate it for our seniors…you say that even though they won four district championships and four regional championships…this has been our stumbling block all four years”, Boone said.
Two seniors played their final game as Lady Marshals – Whitley Watwood and Maddie Darnall.
“We’re definitely going to miss Whitley and Maddie…they’re both just fantastic young ladies…they’re great role models for our younger players”, Boone said.
Coach Boone said of the 2020 season, “We were very fortunate to have had the season…three or four months ago we weren’t even sure we were going to be playing.”
Despite the shortened season, this year’s Lady Marshals earned the program’s 20th district championship and 21st regional championship.
For the game, they took 22 shots while the Lady Aces had 12. Peyton Parker had nine saves and Payne for Owensboro Catholic recorded 12.
“This will stick with us for a while I think and hopefully drive those underclassman to keep making improvements”, Boone said. “When spring rolls around, we’ll hopefully be able to have a Dynamo season. That will be helpful with continuity there. Hopefully we’ll come back stronger and hungrier for what’s next.”
Boone added, “The future is bright but today we certainly wish we were moving on and playing Monday.”
The Lady Marshals finish the 2020 season at 11-2-2. They out-scored their opponents in this shortened season 62-15 with seven shut outs.
Owensboro Catholic (10-7-1) advances to play Greenwood (15-2-2) on Monday, a 2-1 winner over Madisonville-North Hopkins on Saturday.
Click on a photo to scroll through more from the game.
