Lady Wildcats extend winning streak
Oak Ridge High School’s soccer team entered the week riding a four-match winning streak.
The Lady Wildcats opened District 3-AAA play last week with two impressive victories.
They capped the week with a 5-1 win over Knoxville Halls at home.
Edie Weston scored two goals for Oak Ridge (6-2 overall, 2-0 in the district) against the Lady Devils. Lilah Kim, Hayven Laurendine, and freshman Lynsee Pennington also found the back of the net for the Lady Wildcats.
In their district opener, the Lady Wildcats posted a 6-0 shutout over Karns at home on Sept. 10.
In that match, Kim scored twice, while Weston, Laurendine, Lera Lee, and Elena Vogt each added a goal against the Lady Beavers.
First-year Head Coach Trenna Underwood was pleased with her team’s performance.
“It was a really good week for us,” she said.
“We came in and did what we were supposed to do,” Underwood said. “We took care of business and scored 11 goals, and that was big for us. We also only conceded one goal, and that was good for us. Our goalkeeper, Ayda Branson, really stepped up. Our defense was solid, and she didn’t face many shots.”
Oak Ridge passed its first two district tests with flying colors, but the Lady Wildcats face two more top opponents this week. They played Science Hill, a top team from Region 1-AAA, on Tuesday night. Results were not available at press time.
On Thursday, they head to Fountain City to face defending district champion Knox Central. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Dan Y. Boring Stadium on the Central High campus.
“We’ll have a big week this week with two tough games,” Underwood said. “These tests against tough teams will be good for us.”
After Thursday’s game in Fountain City, Oak Ridge will host Powell on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The Lady Panthers edged the Lady Bobcats 4-2 on Thursday in Powell, making the Oak Ridge-Powell match a crucial one with potential championship implications.
“Science Hill is a team we could see at sectionals,” Underwood said. “Central and Powell look to be our toughest competition in the district, so we’ll really be focused on them.”