Marshall County’s Lady Marshals soccer team hosted Daviess County in the first round of the KHSAA Girls State Soccer Tournament. It’s been 15 years since the Lady Marshals last Sweet 16 win and that wait is over with Monday’s 1-0 victory over Daviess County.
“I’m super proud of them”, Head Coach Michael Boone said in post-game comments to WCCK’s Caleb King. “Savannah (Dodd) came up with some ginormous 1v1 saves. As good of a defensive game that was, both teams had some prime shots.”
Eight minutes into the game, the Lady Marshals got off two quick shots on goal that were deflected by Daviess County’s Mary Evelyn Wiman. Savannah Dodd made a great save near the 30-minute mark for the Lady Marshals and the keepers exchanged saves on free kicks taken by each team. The first taken by Rylee Teague for the Lady Marshals at 14 minutes and four minutes later, a free kick by Daviess County’s Molly Fuqua.
The first half defensive battle with thrilling moments of attacks near the goal, went into the halftime break scoreless.
Seconds into the second half, Addi Wall got a shot off on goal that was saved by goalkeeper Kaelin Labhart. Ten minutes later, a perfectly timed pass from Addison Peterson to Wall, sailed into the net to put the Lady Marshals on the board with a 1-0 lead.
A shot on goal by Daviess County’s Kate McCain hit off the top of the crossbar with six minutes remaining and the rebound kick was saved by Dodd. Dodd and the Lady Marshals defended three free kicks taken by Daviess County in the closing minutes to hang on to the one goal win.
Dodd had five saves and picked up her 16th complete game shutout of the season.
“Addi’s goal…Peterson, a freshman, gets in there and creates a great opportunity and Addi is there to finish it off”, Boone said of the goal that will send the Lady Marshals to the state quarterfinals.
Since the program’s Sweet 16 win in 2009, the Lady Marshals have lost by one goal in the opening round of the state tournament six times. Boone said it’s great to finally get over that hump and get a one goal win of their own.
“The game plan worked to perfection”, Boone said. “The subs that came in did a fantastic job. It was phenomenal.”
Marshall County’s opponent in the next round will be South Oldham who beat Bullitt East 4-0 to advance. Marshall County will host that game at Colburn Field on Thursday at 6:30.
