Set pieces paid dividends for Gilmer Lady Cat soccer.
GHS hosted the Heritage Generals last Thursday for a region matchup. The Cats took advantage of corner kicks and free kicks all game, which resulted in three goals. HHS seized a Gilmer penalty in the first half, but had little else to offer in a 3-1 Lady Cat victory.
HHS got off a pair of meekly struck shots through 10 minutes, and GHS goalkeeper Amayah Jones made her first save shortly after. The Cats earned a corner kick in the 11th minute, and freshman Joei Marshall sent the ball into the box. Senior Sofia Lykins was there at the far post to get a boot on the ball and for a 1-0 GHS lead.
Jones made three more saves in the first half while most Heritage shots were off target. However, a Gilmer foul in the box led to a HHS penalty kick. The Generals evened the score with 1:33 to play in the first half.
GHS took the lead for good just a little over eight minutes into the second half. Another Marshall corner kick was cleared by the Generals, but Gimena Domingo-Tercero sent the ball back into the box, which found a wide open Carly Becerra, who scored from 10 yards out.
Jones stifled a General shot on a breakaway just moments later. GHS defenders were then called into action to clear a ball from the box on a HHS free kick.
The Cats caught the Generals napping 14 minutes into the half. Marshall blasted a free kick from 20 yards inside GHS territory. She sent the ball well beyond midfield to a charging Lykins, who got a foot on the ball before the General goalkeeper for Gilmer’s third goal.
GHS continued to create chances over the final 26 minutes of action but were unable to extend its lead.
Gilmer traveled to Pickens Monday and lost, 5-1. GHS is 4-3 overall and 1-0 versus region opponents. The Cats travel to Calhoun Friday for a 5:30 p.m. match.