The Daviess County Lady Panthers had to wait an extra day to start their 3rd Region Tournament slate as Mother Nature grabbed a victory Monday, but DC got back to their winning ways on Tuesday.
DC cruised 10-0 over Grayson County at Shifley Park to set up a battle with Ohio County tonight in the second semifinal of the tournament.
Scoring has been a concern for DC coach David Sandifer but Tuesday gave a lot of players the chance to see the ball go into the back of the net.
“Anytime you can score a few, it gives you a little bit of confidence,” he said. “Our big thing was the movement and the passing. We had several girls get in on the scoring … I know a couple of them got goals or assists that was their first of the season. Hopefully, it clears their heads a little bit.”
The Panthers went up 8-0 going into halftime and ended the game a few minutes into the second half when they added two more goals.
Junior Steeley Walker had three goals and two assists in the win as she was eager to get back on the field after the 9th District Final loss to Owensboro Catholic.
“It made us really hungry,” she said. “We beat them the first time and it really made us think about our effort and how we came into that game. We didn’t have the right mindset at all.”
Walker said they had to change their thinking coming into the 3rd Region Tournament.
“We talked as a team and we realized that we’re here for each other, we need to be playing for each other as a team,” she said. “I think all of that came together.”
The victory now sets up a matchup with Ohio County at 8 p.m. tonight at Shifley Park, while Owensboro Catholic and Meade County play in the first semifinal at 5:30 p.m.
Ohio County comes into the game at 8-2-1 with its only lossing coming against 4th Region powers Bowling Green and Greenwood.
“We’re going to have to play well defensively,” Sandifer said. “Carly Embry is a very good goal scorer.”
Embry has 25 goals to lead the Lady Eagles this season as Emily Goff is also in double digits with 15 goals.
Ohio County has netted 65 goals this season.
“If we can have that type of performance and get a couple of kids to knock one in, then maybe we’ll have a chance,” he said. “Ohio County’s a good team. They’re probably the favorite this year based on record, strength of schedule, RPI. We’ve got our work cut out for us but we’re going to do the best we can.”
Daviess County 10, Grayson County 0
DC: Steeley Walker (3 goals, 2 assists), Avery McNeiley (3 goals), Reagan Chinn (goal), Maci Sanders (goal), Shelby Sanders (goal), Bailey Porter (goal), Haley Bradshaw (assist)