The Gilmer Lady Cats added another soccer win to their tally and now have 10 on the season.
GHS was on the field for a pair of home matches last week. First up was Chestatee Tuesday, and the War Eagles never stood a chance. Three Lady Cats scored on the day, and Gilmer rolled to a 5-0 victory.
The Cats hosted White County Friday with a state playoff spot on the line. The score was tied for much of the game following a pair of early goals. A costly Lady Cat error set up the Warriors’ second half goal, and they held on for a 2-1 win.
“We were happy with the play against Chestatee,” said head coach Adam Palmer. “Unfortunately, we fell short against White. Two handballs in the box made the difference. Calli Wise had a wonderful header for a goal off a Yenifer Lopez corner kick.”
The two-win War Eagles had to deal with the Lady Cat duo of Lopez and Sophia Lykins. They both scored two goals apiece and Wise added another. Gilmer took a 4-0 lead into the half and netted a fifth goal for good measure.
Both White and Gilmer had several scoring opportunities through the first 20 minutes Friday. Lopez and Wise each had shots from threatening positions and White clanked a shot off the post. With 17:48 left in the half, a GHS handball and successful White penalty gave the Warriors the lead.
Just over a minute later, Gilmer was granted a corner kick, which was taken by Lopez. Wise was on the receiving end and her header evened the score.
GHS goalkeeper Amayah Jones was tested often in the second half but made sure-handed saves to keep the game tied. Following her sixth save of the half, another Lady Cat handball set up a penalty with 18 minutes left in the game. A Warrior sent the ball into the net for the a 2-1 edge.
WCHS continued to press forward, but its remaining shots were off target. The Cats were unable to score the equalizer to force overtime.
The victory allowed White to gain sole possession of fourth place with a 3-2 region record. Gilmer is 2-3 and hosts Wesleyan (11-1-1) April 9 at 5:30 p.m. The Lady Cats’ overall record stands at 10-6.