Lady Cougars open home season with lots of energy in 2-2 match

TOP PHOTO: Willow White, Addison Dykes, Madison Mitchell return to midfield after Dykes’ goal.

By Amber Cowell

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Campbell County played its home opener of the season Monday night as the Lady Cougars hosted the Panthers of Cumberland Gap.  The match was high paced and high energy from the kick off.  Between the players’ energy and the energy from the large crowd in attendance there was electricity in the atmosphere.

See the full photo gallery HERE.

The midfield had good clearances however there was rarely anyone there to receive the ball early on.  This changed in the middle of the first half when Junior forward Addison Dykes scored the first goal of the match.  Freshman Courtney Smith found herself in the goal for the first time for the Lady Cougars and had an outstanding showing who along with the defense kept the Panthers out of the goal the entire first half.  The half ended with the Lady Cougars leading 1-0.

The Panthers were not going down without a fight and tied the game in the 57th minute of the game.  A near miss in the 61st minute by Freshman Kylee Suttles almost gave the Lady Cougars the lead and brought the crowd’s excitement even higher.  The miss didn’t phase the Cougars as less than a minute later Suttles made a laser pass to Junior Jessa Riggs to take the lead 2-1.

Late in the match, the Panthers equalized leaving the final score a 2-2 tie. 

“It was certainly a wild and crazy game tonight.  Many players were able to get some extra minutes.  I love the effort!” Coach Erik Hill commented after the game.

The Lady Cougars have a short break of two days before their first district game of the season when they host the Bobcats from Central at 6 pm. on Thursday. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/22/2023-6AM)