SoccerDawgs advance to Elite 8!
Louisa, Ky. — In front of a huge crowd on Monday night the Lawrence Co. Bulldogs ( 18-2-2 ) dominated Perry Co. Central ( 18-6 ) from start to finish by the score of 4-0 in the opening round of the KHSSA state tournament. This is the third time in school history that LC has made it to the Elite Eight. The SoccerDawgs also went in 2012 and 2013.
The SoccerDawgs showed their depth and offensive firepower with four different girls scoring in the victory. Lydia Workman got LC on the scoreboard with 26 minutes to go in the first half. Leading scorer Victoria Clevenger found the net with 15 minutes to go in the half to stake the Bulldogs to a 2-0 lead, which would also be the score at halftime. Lawrence Co. was in possession of the ball most of the first half and kept the ball on the PCC side of the field.
The second half was about like the first as the Bulldog defense was outstanding and the offense kept putting pressure on the Commodores.
Kylie Maynard scored with 13 minutes left to stretch the lead to 3-0 and Zayla Granillo put the finishing touches on an Elite Eight appearance with a goal at the 4 minute mark and the SoccerDawgs could smell a trip to Lexington in the air.
Ally Moore started in goal for Lawrence Co. and was replaced in the second half by Andrea Salyers to finish the game. Both girls stopped shots from PCC.
Lawrence Co. will face 8th Region champion Simon Kenton ( 20-3 ) on Saturday after they defeated 5th Region champion Bethlehem 1-0 at Nelson Co. high school on Monday night.
Lawrence County plays at Lafayette High School Gametime will be 2:00pm Saturday.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Kyle Snaitecki
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… Obviously it is an exciting experience and one that I’m very happy and thankful for. Hats off to the girls they have worked hard to this point and it is well earned and deserved. Happy that we live to see another day and this journey will continue.” We have been working all year to play like we did tonight. Being able to keep possession is what we are built to do. If you were at this game it was pure dominance on terms of keeping the ball and that led to many more opportunities for us some we hit right to the goalie but we got four of them in tonight and that was enough.” Unbelievable crowd and that just goes to show you the support the girls have and how the game is growing here in Lawrence Co. only been a program since 09 but we have built a lot of history since then. The sidelines were full and the whole day has been great, we went to all of the schools today and it was unbelievable to hear the kids screaming and cheering, to hear the superintendent, principals and the teachers talk about the girls and know we had their support I think it gave us that extra boost for tonight.” Anytime you can represent on your home field in front of that crowd in a state match was a real home field advantage.” All eight teams that are left are very good and Simon Kenton will be a tough challenge but we will get back to work this week and get ready for Saturday.”
Lawrence Co. Junior Victoria Clevenger
“… Playing at home was a huge factor for us. It really calmed my nerves seeing our fans and how loud they were.” Only 16 teams left starting tonight so we felt the pressure a little bit. Getting out in front was the key tonight after that we just kept putting the pressure on the entire game.” The crowd tonight was indescribable, nothing like I have played in front of before.” It has been an amazing day going around to the schools was really special seeing all of the kids and hearing them yell for us was awesome.”
