Cascade helped secure the win by solid play at midfield. (Post Photo by Spencer Ato)
By SPENCER ATO
Sports Writer
WARTRACE — On Tuesday night, the Cascade Lady Champion offense imposed its will against Huntland for the entirety of the first half and then held on for a 3-2 win in front of a home crowd.
Cascade opened the match with a strong offensive footing, flashing strong runs on goal and a stout defense that held the line at midfield.
Following several shots on goal, the Lady Champs broke through with a goal by Sophie Ray with 23:09 left in the half.
“Sophie always gives 110%. We really depend on her to clear the middle,” Lady Champion coach Wendy Williams said.
“I think they set the tone,” Coach Williams added. “She really is a great leader in the midfield.”
That 1-0 lead held through the remainder of the first half.
While no additional goals were scored in the first half, Cascade maintained the momentum established by Ray and made strong drives that kept the pressure on Huntland throughout the match, with the ball not returning to the Lady Champs’ side until 20 minutes in.
The second half began with a scare for the Lady Champs, who found themselves backed into a corner and had to make a swift save with 32 minutes left in regulation.
Cascade quickly responded to Huntland’s newfound momentum, with Kaylee Martin scoring a goal with 26:36 remaining in the second half, extending the Lady Champs’ lead to 2-0.
Cascade continued to dominate the midfield and kept the Lady Hornets on the defensive throughout the second half, making several drives on the goal.
Olivia Winnett scored the final goal of the night for the Lady Champs on a penalty kick, pushing their lead out to 3-0, just five minutes after the second goal.
However, the Lady Hornets made it clear they weren’t flying home empty-handed.
Not long after Cascade’s final goal, Huntland’s Hazel Reed responded with a drive and scored the first goal for the Lady Hornets with 19:16 left in the game.
Lexi Comstock attempted to regain Cascade’s momentum with a field-long drive, evading two of Huntland’s defenders, but her corner shot missed with 9:19 remaining.
The final goal of the game came when Bristol Moon capitalized on an open midfield and took a shot with 2:52 left.
Cascade hopes to extend its win-streak to seven-straight on Tuesday, traveling to face county rival Community.
Huntland 0 2 — 2
Cascade 1 2 — 3
