Circleville squared off with new league opponent Bishop Rosecrans Wednesday night.
The Bishops came to Circleville with a 5-3 (2-1 MSL) record and were ranked #13 in Div. III in the most recent state poll.
“Even though they are new to our schedule, we know Rosecrans has a great girls’ soccer program. We really preached to the girls that we need to battle for a full 80 minutes,” coach Joseph Stitt said.
Tigers got off to a hot start finding the back of the net just eight minutes into the game when Faith Yancey drove through the middle and slotted a through ball to Makya Cockerham who buried the shot in the back of the net.
The Tigers continued to apply pressure throughout the first half keeping the Bishops’ playmakers from having any significant chances on goal.
Yancey added a goal of her own with 11 minutes remaining in the first half as she dribbled through the backline, following her own saved first shot and found the back of the net.
“They have some big-time playmakers, our defense and midfield did an exceptional job slowing them in the first half to come into halftime with a two-goal lead,” Stitt said.
Just seven minutes into the second half the Tigers drew a foul 25 yards away from goal. Payton Ford drilled the free kick past the keeper to put the Tigers up 3-0.
The Tigers continued to limit Rosecrans’ chances, and goalkeeper Kylie McCain made several key saves in the second half (seven saves total for the match). With eight minutes remaining in the match, Yancey crossed a ball from the right side to find Cockerham who finished to put the Tigers up 4-0.
Rosecrans added a goal of its own before time expired but the Tigers took the match 4-1.
“I was really impressed with our team play tonight. We worked hard for a full 80 minutes and followed our game plan pretty well,” Stitt said. “This is a big win for us and hopefully can help us build momentum the rest of this week and into next.”
The Tigers are back in action Saturday at Fisher Catholic for another MSL match and have two big road tests next week with Southeast District foes Sheridan and Unioto.
The Tigers improve to 4-3-2 overall and 2-3 in the MSL.
