ROCK SPRINGS – Two soccer squads which have continued to close the gap between the east and west schools met in Rock Springs. The Lady Tigers and the Lady Wolves faced off for the second time this season on Thursday.
After a tremendous start last year, the Green River Lady Wolves have again been strong this year. They entered Thursday’s play with a 9-3 record which includes a perfect start in conference play. The ladies have won seven of their last eight, pitching three shutouts along the way. While the Lady Wolves offense has been getting the bulk of the attention, the defense has been the foundation, keeping teams out of the net and off the board.
On the other side, do not let the Lady Tigers 6-6 record fool you. They started strong and have had several performance which has made teams around the state take notice. However, Rock Springs entered Thursday looking to get back on track after being shutout by both Casper teams this past weekend.
Green River won the first meeting 3-0 in a defensive game for both schools. This time, the Lady Wolves came out firing.
The team looked to one of the leaders, Taylor Stoger early and she did not disappoint. She scored two of Green River’s three, first-half goals. Kenzie Lucas has also been a field general this season for the Lady Wolves and rounded out the scoring in the first for Green River.
The Lady Tigers were able to get on the board right before half to keep the ladies of Green River in their sites. Kelci Howe scored with 12 minutes left in the first half to cut the lead to two at the break, 3-1.
In the second half, the Lady Tigers defense stepped up as did the offense. The problem for Rock Springs was the Lady Wolves defense continued to be stout. The final goal of the match came from a player which has been a complete nightmare for opponents. Lauren Hoyt continued her torrid scoring pace which gave the Lady Wolves the 4-1 win.
Head Coach for the charging Lady Wolves Tracy Wyant said there was a lot of positives but also noticed things the ladies need to continue to work on. She explained they put some good passing combos together and added the defense was good at pushing up and holding the line.
Coach Wyant also pointed to the mid play. She said they did a really good job controlling the ball and setting up several shots.
“We just didn’t finish on a few of them,” she added explaining finishing and cleaning things up will be a focus for them in practice in the upcoming week.
On the other side of the coin, Rock Springs Coach Tamika Davis said there were a lot of positives to build off of in the second meeting compared to the first.
“Last time we played Green River it was a pure defensive game for us,” Davis explained. “Today (Thursday) we got a couple good looks on the net and finished a pretty one.”
Injuries have been plaguing the ladies and Davis also spoke about this issue.
“We are trying to get players over injuries and keep working to find our groove,” she added. “I am hoping we peak at the right moment so I’m happy with where we are at now.”
The Lady Wolves will look to keep perfect in conference as they return to the field May 8 in Casper Green River will face 4A West second place Natrona. Kelly Walsh will play host on Saturday. A strong Casper showing will all put wrap up a regular season conference title for the ladies of Green River. After Casper, the Lady Wolves will hit the road on May 14 with a match in Evanston before wrapping the season up at home against Riverton on May 15.
The Lady Tigers will look to get back on track but will have to do it against Casper in Casper. Rock Springs will return to the field May 8 against Kelly Walsh followed by a May 9 matchup with Natrona. and May 9. On May 12, they will be back on the road as they head for Evanston before wrapping up the regular season at home against Riverton on May 16.
