Women's Soccer | 2/11/2026 8:54:00 AM

CLINTON -- The Clinton High School Women's Soccer team showed reilience when it mattered most, scoring twice in the second half to defeat the Lewisburg Lady Patriots, 3-1, in the MHSAA Class 7A First Round Tuesday night at Arrow Field.

After conceding late in the first half, Clinton responded with poise. Joelle Ambrose delivered the equalizer right before halftime, Kayla Jones found the go-ahead goal in the second half, and Ja'Milah Williams added the insurance strike to punch the Lady Arrows' ticket to the second round.

The postseason victory improved the Lady Arrows' overall record to a 14-5-3 and set up a date with Region 1-7A champion Tupelo on the road at Renasnat Field. The Lady Arrows will travel to face the Lady Wave on Friday, February 13, at 5 p.m. The two sides previously met in a non-region contest on November 8, battling to a 1-1 draw.

The Lady Patriots struck first, finishing off a strong run down the right flank with a cross and near-post finish to grab the early advantage.

Clinton responded six minutes later.

Ellyn Burchfield sent a long free kick into the 18-yard box that was redirected by Emily Fortenberry before Ambrose finished the sequence in the 36th minute, leveling the match at 1-1 into the break.

The Lady Arrows seized momentum early in the second half. In the 54th minute, Jones began an electrifying run from midfield, weaving through defenders before unleashing a shot that deflected off a Lewisburg defender and into the back of the net for the lead.

Williams sealed the victory in the final five minutes. Elise Thomas created space at the top of the 18-yard box and delivered a precise setup that allowed the freshman to float a composed finish to the far post -- out of the goalkeeper's reach.

Clinton remained organized and disciplined defensively in the closing minutes, protecting the advantage and keeping its state championship aspirations alive with a gritty playoff performance at home.