Lady Wildcats lose heartbreaker in semifinals

November 5, 2009


       Chattanooga, TN - Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats entered their state semifinal match looking for revenge against the Franklin Lady Rebels and a trip to the Class AAA state championship match on Saturday on Tuesday. While the game was vastly different than last year's 3-0 loss, the Lady Wildcats bid fell short as Franklin came out on top of a hard fought match with a 2-1 win.

       Last year Franklin jumped on the Lady Wildcats early, taking a 3-0 lead into the half and cruising to a rather easy victory. It was evident from the start that tonight's match would be different. Oak Ridge possessed the ball well and put pressure on the Lady Rebels from the start.
       In the 20th minute, senior Jennifer Lee collected a ball in front of the Rebel goal and beat the keeper to the right for the 1-0 lead.
       Oak Ridge continued to press the Lady Rebels and find opportunities. Franklin was dangerous on counter attacks and began to settle down and find some opportunities as the half progressed.
       In the 28th minute, the Lady Wildcats were whistled for a foul in the box and were awarded a penalty kick. Sophomore keeper Margo Quinn made a great attempt on the shot, but the ball slipped past and into the goal to tie the score.
       The remainder of the half was much of the same. Oak Ridge possessed the ball well and created chances on goal, while Franklin would select opportunities to counter attack.
       Early in the second half, the Lady Rebels took advantage of a relaxed Oak Ridge team as a midfielder split two Lady Wildcats and beat Quinn with a great shot into the side net to give Franklin a 2-1 lead
       Oak Ridge showed no signs of rolling over. Much of the remaining 37 minutes were played in the Franklin half. The Lady Wildcats put enormous pressure on the Franklin back line and keeper getting of numerous shots and earning five corner kicks. But the Lady Rebels maintained great defensive organization and the Franklin keeper made two great saves to keep Oak Ridge out of the net.
       After starting the season 5-4-1, the Lady Wildcats managed to reel off 14 straight victories and end the season with a 19-5-1 record.