Lady Panthers make history vs. NA
Corydon Central’s girls soccer team avenged a mid-season 3-0 loss to New Albany on Monday night with a 1-0 victory in the opening round of the Jeffersonville Sectional.
The win was a historical one for the Lady Panthers as well: it marked the first time in the four-year history of the girls program that the team won a post-season tournament game.
‘The girls played great defense tonight,’ Corydon first-year coach Kyle Jones said. ‘I don’t think (New Albany) got a shot inside the 18-yard line. We’re not a team that’s going to come out and attack, attack or jump to an early lead. We play a defensive style and that’s the style we needed to win tonight.’
The lone goal by Corydon Central came with 37:14 showing in the second half.
Senior Erin Whooley threw in to freshman Kelly Eberly, who out-sprinted the Lady Bulldogs’ Chelsea Grey to the ball. New Albany’s keeper leaked out and Eberly made a nice tip over the goalie’s head.
‘She lofted it and it hit the top of the cross bar and into the net,’ Jones said. ‘Coming from a freshman in a sectional game, that showed a lot of poise.’
Jones praised several players on the night, then said it was unfair to point out individuals in such a monumental victory.
‘The girls had a ton of intensity and didn’t let up at the end. It was probably the most intense and focused that I’ve seen them all year,’ Corydon’s coach said.
Lady Panther keeper Kate Bennett, a junior, fended off several long range shots on goal.
‘She’s improved so much this season,’ Jones said.
Corydon lost to New Albany, 3-0, earlier this season in a contest shortened by lightning. The two teams tied, 2-2, in another matchup this year as well.
The Lady Panthers advance to play Floyd Central in the sectional semifinal tonight (Wednesday) at 6. The Lady Highlanders were 6-1 winners over North Harrison on Monday.
Floyd Central jumped out to a 3-0 lead at the half and pushed the margin to 5-0 before Jackie Sauerheber snapped the shutout with a goal at the 19:35 mark of the second half.
Meg Capshew and Meagan Zumstein each scored two goals in Floyd’s win.
The Lady Highlanders defeated Corydon Central, 7-1, earlier this season.
‘We know we’ll have to play the same style of game against them,’ Jones said. ‘I know the girls will be ready to play.’
