The Lady Titan junior varsity soccer team was defeated by Forest Park on Thursday, Sept. 18 at the Rangers’ home pitch, with a final score of 2-1. Although the loss was not significant for the Lady Titans in their second to last game of the season, they played their best game.
“We played the best game of the season against Forest Park,” JV head coach Kelli Alcorn said. “The girls communicated well and worked together the entire game. The goal Isabella Simpson scored was a perfect finish on a cross from Harlow Maikranz.”
The girls came out and put forth an effort, but could not find the back of the net.
“We had a good amount of shots off, but they just didn’t go in,” sophomore Tes Weber said.
Far from a blowout, the Lady Titans were able to hang with the Lady Rangers.
“If we would have just had stronger shots, then we could have tied or even won,” sophomore Marilyn Mudgett said.
Despite the loss, players found that the team had improved in certain areas.
“Our passing was really good,” Mudgett said. “We had good through balls as well.”
Despite the growth of the team in the final game, there are still things they need to work on for next season.
“I think our only weakness is that we just couldn’t get back fast enough,” Mudgett said.
The Titans’ goalie, junior Kenlee Seibert, has averaged 10.8 saves per match. She played a solid game against the Rangers, making multiple saves and winning the praise of her teammates.
“Our goalie, Kenlee Seibert, did very well; she got a lot of saves that game,” Mudgett said.
Going into the match, some players were already down, thinking that Forest Park would take and maintain control throughout the entire match, according to Weber and Mudgett. However, they did not let that mindset control them during the practices leading up to the game.
“Typically, practices before games are lighter, and we work on possession games,” Alcorn said. “We always want the girls to work on foot skills.”
Then came the game plan for the game against the Lady Rangers.
“Be first to the ball, pass to feet, and play smart,” Alcorn said.
This preparation helped the Titans maintain a close game against Forest Park.
“We would continue to work on being more confident with the ball and working together as a team,” Alcorn said.
