Women's Soccer | 12/17/2024 9:55:00 PM
The Clinton High School Women's Soccer team found itself in a difficult situation after losing two Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Region 2-7A matches on the road last week.
The Lady Arrows knew they would need to bounce back against the Madison Central Lady Jaguars on Tuesday night.
Kayla Jones gave her team the game-winner in the first half, and
Ellyn Burchfield kept a clean sheet in the goal as Clinton defeated Madison Central 1-0 at Arrow Field. The Lady Arrows improved their region record to 2-2 after a two-game skid in Region 2-7A play.
"Proud of the girls for responding well tonight after a tough week on the road last week," Head Women's Soccer Coach Elliot Rimmer said. "Playing Madison is always fun because we know it's going to be a close, competitive game with elite players all over the field, and the girls were certainly up for the challenge tonight."
The Lady Arrows (9-3-1) gave Jones several looks at goal early in the first half, but those attempts sailed over the goal. However, in the 30th minute,
Carly Howell's long ball over the Madison Central back line found Jones in a full sprint. With a rushing goal keeper coming after Jones and the ball, Jones slid the bouncing ball past the oncoming keeper's head and into the back of the net in the 30th minute.
Clinton's back line, led by senior center back
Mandy Leach, would hold strong and maintain its lead during the final 50 minutes and stave off any Lady Jaguar comeback. Burchfield, a sophomore, continued her stellar performances between the posts and supported her teammates, including an outstanding save in the first half's early minutes.
"Overall, it was an excellent team effort across the board tonight," Rimmer said. "We are growing up as the season progresses and look forward to the reverse (district) fixtures in January."
UP NEXT
The Lady Arrows remain in their Arrow Field fortress as they take on the Florence Lady Eagles at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday night.
Clinton's reverse Region 2-7A games start on the road against Starkville on Friday, January 10, at Starkville High School. The Lady Arrows defeated the Lady Yellowjackets 2-0 on Dec. 3 at Arrow Field.
