Staunton girl's soccer results for the week of March 18 through March 24

By Brooke Dugger

Women’s soccer kicked off last week on Tuesday, March 16 with the Battle of the Bulldogs. The Lady Bulldogs faced off with the Lady Bulldogs of Highland at Highland at 5 p.m. Highland dominated the match last year, winning 6-2 in a match that was closer than the score. Highland Bulldogs were victorious again this year but, with a much more even score of 2-1.

Staunton's defense, along with their goalie Davin, were strong and steady. Scoring for Staunton was freshman, Ryenne Dugger, assisted by Freshman Lydia LaRosa. Player of the match went to junior defensive center, Samantha Fulton.

The Lady Bulldogs finished off the week playing in the Kick-off Classic on Route 66. On Thursday, March 21, the Lady Dogs traveled to Virden to face the Auburn Trojans in the first round of the classic.

From the first whistle this match was physical and fast. Both teams played aggressive, fair soccer in their plight for a first round win. Score at the end of regulation was 1-1, which sent the Lady Dogs into penalty kicks for the win. Scoring for the Lady Dogs in regulation was Freshman Ryenne Dugger, assisted by Sophomore Bryanna Langer. The Lady Dogs made 3 of their 5 penalty kicks (PKs) in overtime, while the Lady Trojans only made 2 of 5 PKs.

The Lady Dogs played amazing and for this reason player of the match was split between two Lady Dogs. Freshman goalie, Madelyn Davin, who not worked hard saving goals in regulation and overtime, but also made her PK shot and Freshman Ryenne Dugger share player of the match.

Friday March 22, the Lady Dogs trekked back to Virden to take on the Lincoln Railsplitters for a chance to go to the championship for first time in school history. The 60-degree and calm weather the coaches were hoping for ran out of town as the bus rolled in. The good gals won the toss and elected to play with the wind for the first half of the match. This was not slight wind, reaching 20 mph at times. The red and green Railsplitters barely passes that half point line in the first 40 minutes. Half-time score was tied 0-0. In the second half, the red and white would have to bite down hard and play with moxie. The rain begins and of course it is coming down sideways, making vision difficult. Can the Lady Dogs hold tight for 40 minutes and send us into PK’s for the second night? With 45 seconds remaining, Lincoln is awarded a corner kick. The ball falls from dark sky and into the back of the net. With 25 seconds remaining the Railsplitters uneven the score at 1-0 Lincoln. Player of the match was Freshman Lacie Edwards, who has been asked to play multiple positions just about every match with a smile on her face.

Finishing off the weekend, the Lady Bulldogs would travel to Carlinville to take on the home team, Cavaliers for Third place in the Kickoff Classic on March 23.

The sun was shining and the wind was much better than the Friday night game. The Lady Bulldogs and Lady Cavaliers matches are always close, and this year’s game was no different. After both teams fought hard and long, the final score at the end of regulation was 1-1. Scoring for the Lady Bulldogs was Lacie Edwards assisted by sophomore Jillian Meyers. Off to PK kicks for the second time during the tournament. The good gals make two and miss two, while the Cavies made all four. Player of the match went to Senior Jessica Futrell, who played awesome defense for the Lady Dogs.