TOP PHOTO: Freshman Kylie Ivey defends with the ball along with teammates Yamel Vera, Audry Bishop and Kelea Hatfield

By Amber Cowell

HUNTSVILLE, TN (WLAF) – The Lady Cougars travelled to Scott High to battle the Highlanders Tuesday evening.

Cougars are still down their starting goalkeeper, Makenzie York, due to illness and Junior Lily Hatfield missed the match due to injury, but Senior Gina Isber returned after being out for injury. The Cougar squad began hopeful but took a hard blow with their top striker, Sage Elwin, being taken out due to injury within the first five minutes of the first half.   The team seemed to rally but had a difficult time penetrating the Highlanders’ back defensive line.   The few shots on goal for the Cougars was met with a strong offense by the Highlanders; resulting in a score of 0-3 at the half.

Back from an injury, Senior Gina Isber battles a Lady Highlander.

The team came out after halftime and seemed to communicate better with each other and were able to push harder into the defense.  The officiating was lacking throughout the game and the match grew more aggressive to the point that penalty cards would have been warranted. The Cougars came away with their first loss of the regular season with a final score 0-5.

Meredith Bell, a CCHS sophomore, dribbles while being pursued by a Scott player.

The Junior Varsity squad took to the pitch after the varsity match.  The poor officiating continued and the Lady Cougars were pushed and shoved to the point where spectators began to voice concerns.  The tension came to a head when a fallen Scott High player kicked Sophomore Jordan Asher from the ground in front of the official, the Highlander player was escorted off the field.  

Lady Cougar Senior Yamel Vera stands ready to defend the Lady Cougar goal.

This was the JV squad’s first official game of the season with Junior Laurali Ackerman in the goal for the first time.  Ackerman had a strong showing for her first game, but the Cougars came up short losing to the Highlanders 0-2.

“Tough night.  Our girls still showed fatigue from a long weekend.  Also missing two additional players from the weekend made it even tougher.  Right now we need to get healthy and rested.” Said Head Coach Bryan Horton after the game.

Senior Faith Elkins passes off her back foot to teammate Meredith Bell.

POSTPONED! The Lady Cougars have their first home game on Thursday against Anderson County at 6pm. This game is postponed until Mon., Sep., 13, at 6pm at CCHS. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/25/2021-6AM)

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