Lady Knights' soccer team blasts Garrard in district play

The scoreboard read 4-0 but that may have been a little misleading.

Jesse Osbourne

Junior Sabrina Tom congratulates senior Erica Essex after Essex's first goal in the first half against Garrard County High School in the first round of district tournament play. MCHS won 4-0.

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Jesse Osbourne

Junior Raven Blair goes for a header against Garrard County High School in the first round of district tournament play Monday night at MCHS. The Lady Knights won 4-0.

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Jesse Osbourne

Junior Sabrina Tom scored two goals against Garrard County High School in the opening round of district play. MCHS won 4-0 on Monday night.

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Jesse Osbourne

Senior Maggie Ballard battles for a ball in the opening round of district tournament play against Garrard County High School on Monday night at MCHS.

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The more telling stat reads 18-2. As in 18 shots on goal for the Lady Knights and only two shots on goal for Garrard County.

"We've had the ability to have a game like this," Lady Knights Head Coach Neil Payne said after the game. "We've been scared to pull the trigger."

Payne said he emphasized before the game that if you don't shoot, you don't score. If you don't score, you don't win.

He said the team focused on shooting leading up to the Garrard County game.

Payne credited junior Sabrina Tom and senior Erica Essex for coming up with two big goals apiece. He also credited the defense for holding Garrard to two shots on goal; one coming with less than 20 seconds left in the first half.

"You have to credit the defense for shutting out someone in district tournament play," Payne said.

The Lady Knights next opponent is Danville on Tuesday night at 7:45 p.m. at Marion County High School. Danville previously beat the Lady Knights 3-0 at home.

Payne said the Lady Knights will focus on forcing a possession game, playing strong defense and controlling midfield. Payne said the Lady Knights will need another strong offensive attack against the Lady Admirals.

If the Lady Knights win, they play Thursday night at 6:30 for the district championship.