Goalkeeper Angelica Soto commented after the game on her clean sheet and the Lady Cats shutout, "I mean I only touched the ball like twice the entire game. Our defense played a great game and did not allow any chances. Big shoutout to them." The defensive unit has been tough as nails all year long, as they continue to be stingy, only allowing 2 goals the past 4 games combined. Huge shoutouts to the GK Angelica Soto, defenders Cristal Aguilar, Angelina Soto, Yudit Dominguez, Reyna Martinez, and Jacqueline Reyna. Also, the duo of Brency Cabriales and Esme Leon in the middle have been nothing short of spectacular all year.
Senior Audrey Mercado got the scoring going tonight as she found the back of the net to give the Lady Cats a 1-0 lead, on a beautiful ball from Brianna Maclaughlin. The second goal for Hope came from a great corner kick from Jacqueline Reyna, which ricocheted off of a Lady Leopard for a goal. Miracle Martinez would get into the action as she delivered a great through ball to Brianna Maclaughlin, who did the rest, as she made a great move and found the back of the net to extend the Hope lead to 3-0. Martinez' passing skills were put to use yet again, as she gave Audrey Mercado a great ball and Mercado would put an exclamation point on the Lady Cat win with her second goal of the game.
The Lady Cats were in need of a big time win and this group delivered a great all-around game from Hope as they inched closer to clinching a State Tournament berth. Defense was dominant on Monday night, and Audrey Mercado led the way with 2 goals, Brianna Maclaughlin and Jacqueline Reyna each scored, while Miracle Martinez had 2 assists and Brianna Maclaughlin added an assist.
The Lady Cats are back in action tomorrow night in Arkadelphia and with a win clinch a berth in the State Tournament.
TEAMS W-L-T PTS
1. BAUXITE 10-0-2 32
2. NASHVILLE 8-2-1 25
3. DEQUEEN 7-3-1 22
4. HOPE 5-4-2 17
5. ARKADELPHIA 3-4-5 14
6. MENA 3-6-3 11
7. MORRILTON 1-8-3 6
8. MALVERN 1-10-1 4
