Lady Tigers Shut Out Rogersville for 1st Win

The Lady Tiger defense posted a shutout, and Emily Jordan made an impossible shot from an impossible angle for the only goal of the game (video below), as Republic beat Rogersville 1-0 to pick up its first win of the season.

For the Lady Tigers, the win in their home opener was a big step forward from Tuesday’s loss at Rolla, when they were unable to muster much offense. An injury to sophomore Madi Mitchell, who played a big role in the Republic offense, left Republic scrambling to fill gaps on the field with players out of position. But after Tuesday’s game experience and a day of practice on Wednesday, those players responded.

“Abbie Hicks is learning to play the middle for the first time this year, and today she took a huge step forward. I’m really proud to see that development in some of these younger players,” says coach Kevin Hauck.

Sophomore Anna Jones also stepped up for the Lady Tigers, helping provide the offense with forward pressure that it lacked on Tuesday against Rolla.

“I told her she needs to take control out there,” Hauck says of Jones. “Her and EJ both have the ability to do it. I felt like tonight she really took a step forward, because she did a great job out there. She controlled the ball. She was strong on the ball. She played some good through balls and played some good shot opportunities. I was just really proud of her.”

Especially in the second half, Republic controlled possession against Rogersville, putting more pressure on the defense than at any point in the season. It paid off in the 60th minute, when Jordan threaded a shot into the goal from deep in the corner. She in-bounded the ball on a corner kick to Kayla Donjuan, who returned the ball to Jordan in the corner. Jordan lined up the shot, used her left foot to cross the ball over the keeper’s head, and banged the ball off the far post and into the net.

“I was planning on hitting it in the middle , then I see Kayla wide open on the side, so I kicked it to her. Then I hit it, and it went in,” Jordan says.

The Lady Tigers improve to 1-1, and Jordan says it was a big boost as they prepare to travel to Jefferson City for a shootout this weekend.

“It’s very important for the morale of the girls,” she says. “It brings our spirits up a little bit and shows us what we can do.”

Hauck says the difficult early-season schedule, and the experience some of his younger players are getting, will play a big role later as the Lady Tigers have moved up to Class 4 for districts.

“We get a strong schedule now to play against good teams,” he says. “To get these young girls in, and to get them playing as much as they are, this is huge for us.”Find out how you can get $25 worth of free photos as a subscriber to Republic Tiger Sports magazine. Sign up now, before this offer runs out!

Farr Better Player of the Game

After 140 minutes without a goal to start the season, it was Emily Jordan who finally got the Lady Tigers on the scoreboard. Jordan slipped the ball into the narrowest of openings for her first goal of the year, and it ended up being the game-winner. For her effort, she’s our Farr Better Player of the Game.


When you need a plumber, you usually need one fast — but you also want one who’ll do the job right. In the Republic area, that’s Farr Better Plumbing. Call Farr Better and let them take away the stress of your plumbing problems. Call them at 864-8703 or check out their website.

Farr Better Plumbing

REPMO DIGEST

Choose your teams. Check your inbox. Sign up now for our brand-new customized newsletter.