The Lady Owls sought to expand upon their three game winning streak with district rival DeKalb County coming to town Thursday, August 25.
The match up between Smith and DeKalb Counties always proves to be nothing short of a nail-biter. Both teams came out to play and were tied at 0-0 for the first 16 minutes. The Lady Owls pulled ahead when a free kick was awarded, taken by Abby Smith on the corner of the 18. The ball soared high and to the right, over the goalie’s head. The game would remain 1-0 through halftime.
At the beginning of the second half, the Lady Owls would add another goal from Lexi Felts. With the game 2-0, Dekalb found new life as they finally scored within the 28th minute. But once again, the Lady Owls had an answer as freshman Caitlin Patterson sent a pass off to Abby Smith, who placed it in the back of the net, bringing the score 3-1.
The DeKalb County Tigers would prove frustrated as Smith was fouled in the box with a push from the back. Taking the penalty kick, she brought the score up to 4-1. However, DeKalb would answer within a minute after kick off, when the ball was driven down the field and into the net, as the Lady Owl keeper rushed out to attack the ball. That brought the score 4-2.
As intense as the game already was, within 30 seconds to go at the end of the game, there was a hand ball in the box causing another penalty kick. The PK was taken by Smith, bringing the final score to 5-2 and propelling the Lady Owls to 4-0 on the season.
Story submitted, edited by Smith County Insider staff
Abby Smith – senior captain forward
Shyenne Newton – sophomore mid-fielder
Abbi Gregory – senior captain mid-fielder
Tori Lankford – senior keeper
