The Gilmer Lady Cats closed out the regular season with two more soccer victories.
GHS was at home last Monday and Thursday to take on Ringgold and North Murray. Against the former, the Cats took a two-goal lead into the half and held the Tigers in check over the final 40 minutes for a 2-0 victory.
Goals came early and often against North Murray, and the Mountaineers offered little resistance or offensive threats. GHS tacked two goals onto its total in the second half and won easily, 5-1.
“I am glad with the winning results in both of our last regular season matches,” said head coach Adam Palmer. “We will continue this week to strengthen our awareness in possession, when defending and finishing opportunities as we prepare for Peach County.”
Peach (15-2 overall) is Gilmer’s state playoff destination Thursday. The Trojans are seeded No. 12 and the Cats are slotted at No. 21.
“I am very proud of the team’s continued effort and grit to earn a spot in the state playoffs. They have worked very hard this season and are excited to compete in the state playoffs this week,” said Palmer.
Gilmer broke through versus Ringgold with 14:25 left in the first half. A pass down the right wing found Angelica Castaneda, who took her defender to the corner. Some fancy footwork gave Castaneda the space needed to send the ball into the box. Yenifer Lopez was there to meet the ball at the near post and sent it into the net from 5 yards out.
Five minutes later, Lopez picked up the ball after it deflected off a Ringgold player and had space to run at the goal. Her close-range shot smacked the post, shot straight at the back of the goalkeeper and hit off her foot and into the goal.
Versus North Murray, it took Gilmer 10 minutes to score. Joei Marshall played a short corner to Calli Wise, and her 20-yard shot flew over the goalkeeper’s head and into the net.
GHS added a second goal just before the midpoint of the half. Marshall unleashed a shot from 30 yards, and it was also too tall for the NM goalkeeper.
With 13:07 left in the half, Castaneda was unmarked after a shot and deflection. She corralled the ball and scored from 12 yards.
The Mountaineers’ first shot came three minutes later. They cashed in a goal following a quick build up to trail 3-1 at the break.
Less than two minutes into the second half, NMHS was whistled for a handball in the box. Lopez scored the penalty kick for a three-goal edge.
Lopez, Castaneda, Wise and Sophia Lykins continued to give the Mountaineers fits, and their efforts soon paid off. A NMHS slide tackle sent the ball to an unmarked Wise. Her 17-yard shot accounted for the Cats’ fifth and final goal.
GHS unleashed a barrage of shots over the final 31 minutes but was unable to add to its lead.
Kickoff at Peach County Thursday is set for 5:30 p.m.