Bob Jones, Huntsville play it close but Patriots lose in shootout
Avery Batson controls against Huntsville in playoff action
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- For the second year in a row, Bob Jones girl’s soccer season came to an end against Huntsville in a second round playoff game. The Patriots had the turf field home advantage but still could not crack the top-ranked Panthers defense.
After going scoreless during regulation and overtime, the game went into a shootout. Huntsville scored 4 times in the shootout and Bob Jones did not score in three attempts so the official final score was 1-0.
“It was between two very good teams. We did a great job against Grissom last week and we had opportunities tonight but it just didn’t fall our way,” Bob Jones coach Tony Schroeder said.
The game was physical and injuries took a toll on Bob Jones who typically does little substituting. Ashley Dong had to be helped off the field with a leg injury late in the game.
Bob Jones freshman Avery Batson turned in a gutsy performance as she played through a painful rug blister on her hip. Huntsville defenders took every opportunity to bang on her but she still managed to beat the defense to get a shot on goal in the second half. She also had several crossing kicks.
“They played a tough game, that’s what they do,” Schroeder said of Huntsville’s style of play. “They aggressively go after every ball. We are more of a finesse team. We like to bounce the ball around and play support.”
Defenders on both teams dominated the action as shots on goal were few. Huntsville goalkeeper Kat Crump turned away Anna Gierow who had a direct kick early in the second half. Batson later had a shot but could not convert. A tripping foul on Hannah Snoddy gave Huntsville a free kick but Cassie Russell deflected it high over the crossbar.
“Cassie is an exceptional goalkeeper and she kept us in this game,” Schroeder said.
“We had some shots in the first half and in overtime that we should have finished off . The defenses were solid on both sides.”
All four seniors for Bob Jones started and played most of the game. Hannah Snoddy also played the entire game.
“We had very strong leadership from our four seniors this year,” Schroeder said. “All four were starters and instrumental in the season and how good it was. I could not have picked a better senior class to start my career at Bob Jones.”
Among the seniors, two will play at the next level. Darby Rasch signed with Spring Hill College and Ellen Bruno signed with Northern State University. Defender Jenna Cecil finishes her career as a three year starter and Marlina Williams turned in a solid season as an attacker.
In the shootout, Huntsville goalkeeper Kat Crump turned away Batson, Chandler Austin, and Julianna Coburn in succession. Huntsville’s Kelly Dorney converted her kick to clinch the victory and send the Panthers to the third round where they will face Austin who beat Sparkman 5-4. The winner of that game gets a berth in the AHSAA State Soccer Tournament.
A Bob Jones girl’s team has not made the state tournament since 2003 when they won the championship.
