(Story by Coach Lance Harvey)
      The Chillicothe Lady Hornets notched their 7th win of the season with a 3-1 victory over Excelsior Springs on Thursday night. The Hornets defense was impressive holding Excelsior scoreless for the first 70 minutes of play and triggering several counter attacks that led to 3 goals. Offensively, Chillicothe used their superior speed to beat the Tigers’ offside trap defense.
     Midway through the first half Senior forward Lindy Saunders pushed through the Excelsior defense and slid a pass to a charging Karson Keithley who finished with a hard shot over the keeper. A few minutes later the two forwards switched roles and Keithley delivered to Saunders who found the left side of the net.
      The first half ended with Chillicothe leading 2-0. Ten minutes into the second half Keithley found Saunders again with the Tigers goalkeeper out of position. Saunders fired a shot into the Excelsior goal for her second goal of the match.
     The Hornets continued to put pressure on offensively and the defense of Hallee Jones, Baily Fox, Morgan Grable and Jozie Reeter thwarted all but one of the Excelsior attacks. Goalkeeper Jaylene Sturguess was outstanding, making several key saves in the game.
     Along with the stellar defensive play, Coach Harvey also noted the relentless midfield presence of Sam Baldwin, Mariah Cox, Hannah Jones and Harlie Jones. “Without their tenacity out there, we don’t come away with this win.”