The Lady Zizzer soccer teams travled to Lebanon Tuesday night for an Ozark Conference matchup. Although the JV and Varsity both could take some positives from the games, the scoreboard favored Lebanon both times.
In the Varsity game, West Plains put on a good performance against a good Lebanon team. The ball movement by the Lady Zizzers is improving tremendously as the girls are playing more as a team. Lebanon got on the scoreboard in the 3rd minute of play. A Lebanon pass sent Hanna Winkel in one on one with Lady Zizzer Defender Ashley Martin. The two players battled for the ball, but Winkel got a touch on it that sent it past Keeper Sammi Phegley from close range. The Lady Zizzers responded and picked things up defensively and working hard all over the field.
About midway through the half, a Lebanon shot hit the crossbar after a corner kick, but the score remained 1-0. In the 25th minute, Winkel’s cross from the left side found Michelle ? (#13) near the back side where she knocked the ball in for a 2-0 lead. Just two minutes later, Winkel sent a free kick to the back post where Chelsea LeFors drove it home for a 3-0 lead. That’s how things would stand at the half.
In the second half, West Plains came out playing even better, connecting multiple passes and moving the ball down the field better than they have in a long time. Defensively the girls worked hard and were able to keep Lebanon from adding to their lead. Keeper Sammi Phegley made a couple of good saves, knocking one ball off the post. Lebanon was able to get one goal in the half as a result of a Penalty Kick by Winkel in the 22nd minute of the half. The Penalty came after a Lady Zizzer defender was called for a handball in the box.
Overall the game was a good showing for West Plains. The defense is getting better and the ball movement was very good. Now it is a matter of turning that into scoring chances.
In Jv action, West Plains was a little slow in the opening half. Lebanon score their first goal in the 4th minute, taking advantage of some defensive breakdowns. Lebanon would add another goal 5 minutes later to make it 2-0. That would be the halftime score.
In the second half, the Lady Zizzers came out playing much better, playing harder and more determined. Defensively the girls were better in the second half. Due in large part to more effort and much better communication. They were also able to move the ball a little better and put some pressure on the Lebanon defense. Lebanon added a goal in the final minute of the game to make the score 3-0.
Both the JV and Varsity teams are showing improvement in their play. The Varsity girls are starting to get settled into their roles and that should help bring some consistency to their game. The JV girls are still finding their places, but are working hard. Their roles should become more defined over the next few games.
Next up for both teams are games against Joplin at Home on Thursday. The JV game is scheduled to begin at 4:30pm with the Varsity game to follow.