LaFollette, Tenn. | Campbell County scored first, but Scott High put four straight goals on the board to seize control in Monday's (Aug. 15) season-opening match here, riding a 4-2 halftime lead to a 6-2 win over the Cougars.
Ellie Lowe scored twice for the Lady Highlanders, netting her team's first and last goals of the evening as she completed her comeback from a knee injury suffered during spring AYSO ball.
But it was a pair of long drives and unassisted goals by the Lady Highlanders that allowed them to seize control of the game in the first half.
First, Olivia Rector dribbled past several defenders and scored with 15:49 to play in the first half, giving her team a 2-1 lead.
Then, Katie Tucker showed patience as she attacked the net and scored with 14:24 to play, putting the Lady Highlanders in front 3-1.
Sophomore newcomer Brittany Morrow scored with six minutes remaining in the half, a goal that was assisted by Zoey Terry, to put the Lady Highlanders in front 4-1.
Campbell County answered moments later, making it 4-2 at the break.
Both of the Cougars' goals came off free kicks.
In the second half, Rachel Garrett scored on a shot from beyond the 18 about 10 minutes in, followed by Lowe's second goal, which was assisted by Katie Tucker.
“We gave up two in the first half and both were defensive mistakes,” Scott High coach Eric Henry said. “I explained to them at halftime that we really have to do a better job of protecting Bella (Sharpe, goalkeeper) and not committing fouls 30 yards in from the goal. That's very dangerous. Every team, regardless of how good or bad they are, they're going to have somebody who is a sharpshooter, and that girl put it right where it needed to be.”
Henry said his offense clicked well in the season opener.
“We had several good looks from different people,” he said. “I think Ellie's at the end might've been the prettiest. It was a cross from Katie and she one-touched it. It was very nice.”
Henry credited the defensive work of Kaitlyn Butts and Chloe Tucker, and Katie Tucker, Garrett and Lowe in the midfield.
“The girls moved the ball better, and they talked well,” Henry said.
Scott High followed Monday's game with a 6-2 loss to Stone Memorial on Tuesday, and an 8-2 loss to Heritage on Thursday.
Tuesday's game saw Stone Memorial jump out to a 4-0 halftime lead before the Lady Highlanders played the Panthers evenly in the second half. Olivia Rector scored two goals.
Thursday's game saw Heritage jump out to a 5-0 halftime lead before the second half was played nearly evenly. Chloe Tucker scored two goals.
