The Gilmer Lady Cats snatched their first region soccer victory.
The Cats hosted Ridgeland (2-8 record) last Thursday, maintaining possession almost exclusively in the opening half. Their efforts paid off for a 3-0 lead, and they tacked on a final goal in the second half for a 4-0 win.
GHS began the week at Adairsville (10-1) two days prior. The Tigers knocked in a pair of goals in each half and defeated the Lady Cats, 4-0.
Lady Cat Xiare Ramirez was a pinpoint free-kick weapon against Ridgeland. Just after four minutes of play, GHS was awarded a free kick 31 yards from the goal. Ramirez booted the ball right under the crossbar and beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.
Jocelyn McCollum, Salma Gonzalez and Selina Tercero all shot over a 23-minute span, but GHS did not add to its lead. However, with 10:43 left in the half, Ramirez sent a 36-yard free kick into the box. Tercero got to the ball, and after it bounced, she scored a volley for a 2-0 advantage.
Nine minutes later, Ramirez struck again for the third goal. This time she set up 32 yards from the net, and her free kick was nearly identical to her first goal.
The Cats continued to create chances in the second half. They tacked on their fourth goal with seven minutes left in the game. Maggie Thompson’s 32-yard through ball found a charging Tercero, who beat the keeper to the ball, and scored from 15 yards out.
Gilmer is 5-8 overall and 1-3 in the region. They took on Northwest Whitfield (7-4) at press deadline and host LaFayette (7-6) Friday at 5:30 p.m.