Allie Vannoy of Chattanooga Christian pressures Akia Harris (22) of GPS at CCS's newly renovated, multipurpose David Stanton Field on Tuesday.The GPS soccer Bruisers will continue to feel the effects of their 2012 state-title-game loss until they have another opportunity to play with that on the line. And if Tuesday was any indicator, they'll wreak havoc on opponents from now until then.
The Bruisers scored four goals in the first 24 minutes and got their 2013 season off to a great start with a 6-1 victory over Chattanooga Christian, ruining a special evening for the Lady Chargers. Prior to the match, CCS dedicated its new soccer/football facility to David Stanton for his years of hard work at the school.
From that point on, however, it was all GPS.
"Tonight was actually a little nerve-racking at first," said sophomore Keyle Snyder, who had a goal and an assist. "We didn't really settle down until we scored our first goal. Then we got comfortable.
"We're extremely hungry this year. We lost last season after making it so far with everyone doubting us, but we've worked real hard and tried to learn from our mistakes."
Akia Harris had assists for Marshall Rustand and Ellie Haskins, and Josie Love Roebuck was credited with the assist on Snyder's goal. In the second half, Samantha Jackson and Izzy Phillips were credited with goals.
"We have a good combination of driven seniors and young, hungry freshmen," GPS coach Leland Strang said. "We made a few mistakes on defense by not putting a lot of pressure on them, and not taking care of the ball, but I thought we played well."
Allie Vannoy scored the Lady Chargers' goal on a rebound in the second half.
"I thought we played better in the second half," CCS coach Cal Sneller said. "Opening day, no matter what, is going to be hard, and we're opening against one of the top teams in the state. But we didn't give up and came away with everybody healthy that started the match."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6311. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.