MERIDIAN —
The Lamar girls soccer team moved to 15-1 on the season, as the Raiders easily defeated Laurel Christian 8-1 Tuesday afternoon.
Lamar forward Olivia Mabry got things started in the 14th minute, as she knocked in the first goal of the game to give the Raiders early control of the game.
The goal proved important to Lamar, as a muddy field quelled scoring opportunities early on for both teams, as players from both sides had to maneuver around puddles across the pitch.
“It was very difficult to play on the field,” Lamar midfielder Mary Love Hodge said. “You are slipping and sliding and trying to do everything you can.”
In the 28th minute it was Hodge that snuck a ball just just inside the left goal post to put Lamar up 2-0. Hodge was assisted by Mabry who found the would be scorer through a barrage of Laurel Christian defenders.
Minutes later, Hodge would find Mabry on a beautiful cross that set the forward up perfectly for the score. Leah Thompson would join the scoring party in the 39th minute, as she scored on a free kick from about 25 yards out to give Lamar a 4-0 lead heading into the half.
Lamar coach Mike Crowe preached to his team at the half not to get comfortable and give up. The Raiders would do no such thing, as Lamar came out just as strong in the second half.
Hodge found forward Anna Arrington in the 50th minute to set up the Raider goal and put Lamar up 5-0.
“We did very well as a team today,” Mabry said. “Mary Love (Hodge) and Rachel (Lee) fed us forwards very well today. We just played really well.”
Laurel Christian had an excellent opportunity to score in the 56th minute as the Lions were awarded a penalty kick. However, Lamar goalie Mary Barrett Tucker got a glove on the ball causing it to ricochet of the top bar.
“She did a good job today,” Crowe said of his goaltender. “I don't know how many shots they took, but she has done a great job this season. That save on the penalty kick was key.”
Ten minutes later in the 56th minute Mabry would score for a third time to complete the hat-trick. Mabry's three-goal performance moves her 27 goals on the season.
“Olivia (Mabry) has been our main girl up top along with Anna (Arrington),” Crowe said. “The girls behind her they feed her the ball. They see when she is open and place the ball at her feet. She does a good job.”
Goals from Hodge and Arrington later would increase the Lamar score to 8-0 until the Lions finally got on the board sending a goal past Tucker seconds before the final whistle was blown.
Crowe said he was pleased with the win over a talented Laurel Christian team, and said he expects a whole new game if the two teams meet in the playoffs.
“Laurel is a great team,” Crowe said. “When it gets down to the state championship the really bring it. We won't take this right here for granted.”
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Lamar takes down Laurel Christian in rout
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