Signal Mountain’s decorated senior class had an enjoyable senior day, one that culminated in a 9-0 victory over CSAS. Strangely enough, the game appeared to be headed for a CSAS blowout early on.
CSAS junior Jensen Ware took literally 15 seconds to threaten Signal Mountain’s defense when she tore down the left sideline, blowing past the defense and creating enough space for a cross.
She whipped an accurate cross with her golden left foot, presenting an amazing opportunity for Kendall Kroll, who seemed to be in a good position to tap the ball in. However, Signal Mountain’s defense closed in around her and she was unable to get a good shot off.
After this, Signal Mountain’s Eagles completely dominated the game, averaging at least 75 percent possession and taking shot after shot after shot. Signal netted their first goal via an outstanding individual move by their peerless striker Kara Wilson, who juked right with the ball, evaded defenders, and then fired a bullet into the top right corner of the net.
A couple minutes later, senior Briley Lowry began her senior night hat trick in style, racing downfield and graciously accepting a thru-ball on the counterattack. Now one-on-one with the keeper, she merrily slotted the ball into the top left corner. Following a long-range 8th minute Camilla Mincey strike from straightaway, Lowry repeated her great runs and scored two more identical goals off thru-balls.
Senior goalkeeper/midfielder Rielly Furr normally stops shots, but tonight, she got a goal of her own. Leading 5-0, Furr lined up a look and put her entire leg into a bomb-like ball. She shot it with such force, the keeper was unable to corral it, taking the lead to 6-0.
Yet another senior was the center of attention in the 28th minute. Forward Marlea Maddox channeled her inner Lionel Messi, evading and dodging several CSAS defenders on senior night. Her colorful run with the ball ended with Maddox scoring Signal Mountain’s seventh goal of the night.
After closing the half with an eighth goal, Signal Mountain wasted no time in forcing the game to end via mercy rule. Senior midfielder Ainsley Lane had the last touch of the game after Signal Mountain was awarded a penalty kick.
She calmly approached the spot marked out for her. She appeared to take a deep breath, ran up, and then put the ball in the back of the net. Her teammates engulfed her in a massive group hug as the referee blew the whistle and ended the game.
“Her advice for her future teammates is ‘Do your best, no matter the situation,’” her teammate said after the game.