Lady Wildcats roar back with Bearden Invitational run
Oak Ridge senior Kayven Laurendine (18) goes up strong to defend a header against Knoxville West during Tuesday’s girls soccer clash. Laurendine held her ground in a physical battle for possession as the Lady Wildcats fought to control the tempo. (photo:Kyla Carter | ORHS Sports Media )
The Lady Wildcats (2-2-1) salvaged a draw against Webb School of Knoxville on Thursday before closing the weekend with a pair of impressive victories.
On Saturday, Oak Ridge blanked perennial Class AA contender Greeneville, 7-0.
Hayven Laurendine recorded a hat trick, while Lilah Kim scored twice. Elena Vogt and Madeline Wilburn each added a goal.
A day earlier, the Lady Wildcats downed Maryville, 3-1, with three different players finding the net. Laurendine, Lynsee Pennington and Evelyn Eubanks each scored in the win over the Lady Rebels.
“Against Maryville, we had three different players score and that was good to see,” Oak Ridge Coach Trenna Underwood said. “We had two new girls score for us, and that was fun.”
Oak Ridge opened tournament play with a 1-1 tie against Webb. The Lady Wildcats struck first, in the ninth minute, on a goal from Noel Norstedt.
The Lady Spartans tied before halftime on Mary Mac Emery’s strike, but ORHS goalkeeper Marleigh Frazier did well in the closing moments.
She stopped a penalty kick after Webb’s McKalie Ball was fouled in the box.
“The tie against Webb really gave us some momentum, and Marleigh was just amazing,” Underwood said.
