The Ozark Lady Tigers came out strong. Sophomore Sammie Wright scored in the first minute of play to give Ozark the early lead. Junior Erica Hogan headed a beautiful corner served by Sammie Wright in the fifth minute to extend Ozark’s lead to 2-0. Ozark continued to dominate possession early in the game, but midway through the first half the tide began to shift. Joplin finished a corner in the 28th minute and then struck again two minutes later in the 30th minute to even the score at 2-2. Joplin’s offense continued to role and the Lady Eagles took the lead in the 36th minute and carried that 3-2 lead into halftime.
The teams battled during the first fifteen minutes of the second half until Joplin again found the back of the net and extended their lead to 4-2 in the 55th minute of play. Ozark did not give up and continued to mount attacks. Freshman Alicia Collard carried the ball along the 18 from her left forward position and cut inside the box on the right side of the field in the 61st minute of play as she got a step infront of the defender and turned towards the goal. The defender went for the ball but instead fouled Alicia from behind inside the box earning a penalty kick for Ozark. Erica Hogan took advantage of the opportunity, scoring on the PK to bring Ozark back within one goal at 3-4. Joplin broke free again the the 73rd minute with yet another 1v1 attack on the Ozark keeper and scored to increase their lead back to two goals at 3-5. A final frustration foul in the box by an Ozark defender with three minutes left gave Joplin a PK opportunity which resulted in the final goal of the game for Joplin. With the 6-3 victory over the Ozark Lady Tigers, Joplin moves on to face Kickapoo the the district final on Thursday.
Sammie, YOU GO GIRL!!! Love ya, Mel