The Weatherford Lady Eagles soccer team started its season with a mercy rule 10-0 win against Cordell in their season opener.
“I was proud of the way we played in our season opener,” coach Delydia Givens said. “The last couple weeks, the weather has not been the best conditions for practice. Monday was the first outdoor practice we have had in about a week. We started off a bit slow, but as we picked up the pace, we began to play very well. I loved our ball movement and how we worked together. This was a great team win.” Givens said the slow start was due to first game
Givens said the slow start was due to first game jitters and hardly practicing outside because of all the recent bad weather.
“In the first few minutes of the game, we just had to get our legs back in shape,” Givens said. “This was because we have been unable to practice outside very much. When you go into the game, you have to be ready and we were not ready at the start. We talked about this after the game ended and we have to play our game and just be mentally prepared. I was proud of how we kept going and won in a mercy rule.”
Emma Ratterree scored the first goal for Weatherford. Moments later, Abby Wright and Ashtyn Allen both scored goals, giving Weatherford a 3-0 lead 20 minutes into the game.
“I was super proud of Emma and this was the fire we needed to get us going,” Givens said. “Being a freshman and taking the ball from the backline, dribbling all the way up, shooting it, not making it because it was saved the first time, then scoring off the deflection was awesome. After that, we just took off and I am proud of the way she stepped up.”
Chandy Kirby scored a goal making it 4-0 moments later. Keyzli Denton scored a goal as well, making it 5-0. Weatherford created several chances to score but with three minutes left in the first half, Cameron McDonald scored a goal, making it 6-0 at halftime.
Nyah Busellato scored a goal. Her first shot hit the post but it bounced right back to her and she finished it, making it 7-0. A few minutes later, Kirby scored her second goal of the evening, making it 8-0. Denton scored a minute later and it was 9-0. Alison Galindo scored the final goal for Weatherford, giving Weatherford a 10-0 win.
“Great team effort, great win and we have been focusing on possessions and connecting our passes,” Givens said. “Things like making the easy passes, working the back line and switching the field. We will need all of these things to work once we get into district play soon.”
Weatherford improves to 1-0 on the season. They played at Harrah Friday and will play 5:30 p.m. Monday at home against Altus.
“Some things we can work on are staying connected in the midfield,” Givens said. “We need to play together and move the ball well. The more we play, the more we can be comfortable. Getting experience underneath our belt will help everything come together soon.”