Willmore lifts WCMS to win

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Molly Willmore of the WCMS soccer team moves the ball upfield during Monday afternoon’s game against Manchester Westwood. Willmore scored twice in the Lady Pioneers’ 3-1 victory. (Dale Stubblefield photo)

After a disappointing season opener to Franklin County last week, the Warren County Middle School Lady Pioneer soccer team rolled past Manchester Westwood Monday night, winning 3-1 at Pistole Park.

The first half was dominated by the Lady Pioneers with seven shots at goal. Ball control with good passing and teamwork led to the Lady Pioneers’ first goal of the day, when Megan Bouldin found the back of the net 12 minutes into the contest.

The Lady Rockets caught Warren County sleeping on defense with 15 minutes left in the half and tied the game at 1-1. But Warren County went back on the offensive attack, pushing the ball up field and keeping it in front of Westwood’s net. Molly Willmore found an open field in front of her and worked her way in front of the Lady Rocket keeper, firing to score her first goal of the day to give Warren County a 2-1 lead just before the break.

Manchester opened the second half a little more aggressively on offense. The Lady Rockets fired two shots at Lady Pioneer keeper Taylor Douglas, but both attempts failed.

Warren County took back control of the game with 25 minutes left. Defensively Warren County did a good job of clearing the ball and pushing it back to its midfielders. The Lady Pioneer offense kept the ball for most of the second half and had four shots at goal.

Willmore came up with her second goal of the day with 10 minutes left to play. With some fancy footwork she pulled the Lady Rockets’ goalie from the net, driving past the keeper to score and secure the victory.

“We did a much better job of controlling the game today,” said coach Autumn Turner.

“We gave up several goals against Franklin County last week, but today the girls did a better job of controlling the tempo of game and getting back on defense.”

WCMS will be back in action at home on Thursday at 5:30 against Tullahoma.