Hillsboro upends state-ranked Jackson in district semifinals
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
Playing in a game at the home field of their district opponent, and with that opponent being undefeated and state-ranked, was not enough to intimidate the Hillsboro Lady Indians.
Remember, they have been there, done that when it comes to playing in the district round of the postseason, as they are the two-time defending Division II SE District champions.
On Tuesday night, the Lady Indians took the next step en route to claiming their third consecutive district crown, taking to the previously undefeated and Division II No. 9 state-ranked Jackson by a 4-1 score at JHS.
The win moves HHS (13-6) to the district finals on Saturday night at 7 p.m. where they will face the Chillicothe Lady Cavaliers, who defeated Athens, 2-0, also at JHS.
How did the Lady Indians get to this point of the season?
Besides overcoming the aforementioned odds put against them, they used their previous postseason experience of being the reigning two-time district champions to their advantage, including taking an early 1-0 lead.
Since being shut out in their regular-season finale, HHS has outscored their three postseason opponents, 17-1.
"We got the early 1-0 lead, and getting that quick start settled the girls down," HHS head coach Jeremy Ratcliff said. "The quick start in that environment made the girls comfortable, and the fans were excited as well."
The first goal of the match for the Lady Indians came with 28:49 on the clock as senior Trista Rhodes was first to put a point on the scoreboard. That goal turned out to the the first of three for the senior as she finished the tournament match with a hat-trick.
Rhodes' goal was just the second time the Ironladies trailed in a match all season. JHS finishes the season at 16-1-0 overall.
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In the second half, as HHS led 1-0 at the halftime break, it was senior Kaylee Achor who put the No. 4 seeded Lady Indians ahead of the No. 1 seeded Ironladies, with a goal with 38:24 left in regulation.
HHS added to their lead with Rhodes' second goal of the match with 13:48 on the clock for what was a three-goal advantage.
"At halftime, I asked the girls to win the half, and they did," Ratcliff said. "Right now, the girls are playing their best soccer at the right time.
"Having the experience of being here before, in a win-or-go home atmosphere, really showed (Tuesday). Also credit Jackson, they are a very talented and well-coached team."
JHS scored their lone goal for a 3-1 deficit, and that was answered with a third goal by Rhodes with 12:22 on the clock.
HHS keeper Carly Meyer finished with 11 saves.
Assists for the Lady Indians were Achor with two, along with Kaylynn Bell and Lillian Van Zant each with one.
Remember, they have been there, done that when it comes to playing in the district round of the postseason, as they are the two-time defending Division II SE District champions.
On Tuesday night, the Lady Indians took the next step en route to claiming their third consecutive district crown, taking to the previously undefeated and Division II No. 9 state-ranked Jackson by a 4-1 score at JHS.
The win moves HHS (13-6) to the district finals on Saturday night at 7 p.m. where they will face the Chillicothe Lady Cavaliers, who defeated Athens, 2-0, also at JHS.
How did the Lady Indians get to this point of the season?
Besides overcoming the aforementioned odds put against them, they used their previous postseason experience of being the reigning two-time district champions to their advantage, including taking an early 1-0 lead.
Since being shut out in their regular-season finale, HHS has outscored their three postseason opponents, 17-1.
"We got the early 1-0 lead, and getting that quick start settled the girls down," HHS head coach Jeremy Ratcliff said. "The quick start in that environment made the girls comfortable, and the fans were excited as well."
The first goal of the match for the Lady Indians came with 28:49 on the clock as senior Trista Rhodes was first to put a point on the scoreboard. That goal turned out to the the first of three for the senior as she finished the tournament match with a hat-trick.
Rhodes' goal was just the second time the Ironladies trailed in a match all season. JHS finishes the season at 16-1-0 overall.
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In the second half, as HHS led 1-0 at the halftime break, it was senior Kaylee Achor who put the No. 4 seeded Lady Indians ahead of the No. 1 seeded Ironladies, with a goal with 38:24 left in regulation.
HHS added to their lead with Rhodes' second goal of the match with 13:48 on the clock for what was a three-goal advantage.
"At halftime, I asked the girls to win the half, and they did," Ratcliff said. "Right now, the girls are playing their best soccer at the right time.
"Having the experience of being here before, in a win-or-go home atmosphere, really showed (Tuesday). Also credit Jackson, they are a very talented and well-coached team."
JHS scored their lone goal for a 3-1 deficit, and that was answered with a third goal by Rhodes with 12:22 on the clock.
HHS keeper Carly Meyer finished with 11 saves.
Assists for the Lady Indians were Achor with two, along with Kaylynn Bell and Lillian Van Zant each with one.