(From Coach Lance Harvey)
     The Lady Hornets came from a one goal deficit in the second half to clinch their first ever district title with a 3-1 victory over Moberly on Thursday night.
     The Lady Spartans capitalized on a Chillicothe defensive breakdown in the 8th minute to open the scoring. Satisfied to nurse a 1-0 lead, Moberly pulled 11 people into their defensive half of the field and tried to slow down the attack of the faster Lady Hornets.
     Their strategy worked for most of the game until with 19 minutes left, senior Lindy Saunders possessed the ball near midfield and drove toward the Moberly goal. As two defenders converged on her she slid a pass to a hard charging Sam Baldwin who hit a hard right footed shot past the Moberly goal keeper. The large contingent of Chillicothe fans erupted in cheers and the Lady Hornets responded with renewed energy.
     With a sudden shift in momentum, Chillicothe turned up the offensive pressure and earned a free kick from the top of the penalty area in the 61st minute. Saunders hit a low shot that was deflected but freshman Harlie Jones collected the rebound and hammered the ball into the back of the net.
    Chillicothe continued to pressure the Moberly defense and with 9 minutes left in the game sophomore midfielder Kiara Botts was fouled in the box to earn a penalty kick. Saunders stepped up and buried the ball in the left side of the net for the insurance goal.
     Chillicothe's defense negated any type of offensive threat after the first goal and when the final whistle blew, the Hornets were able to lift the district championship plaque for the first time in the brief 9 year history of the program.
Now Chillicothe will host the Sectional game against Maryville at 6:00 on Tuesday May 26th. Please wear red and come out to support your Lady Hornets.