Lady Hurricanes top Stone Memorial 3-0

Arkansas-SEMO Live Blog

East Hamilton was fast, fluid and in control. East Hamilton was dominant.

The Lady Hurricanes soccer team claimed a 3-0 Region 3-AAA semifinal victory Tuesday night at home over Stone Memorial.

East Hamilton (13-3-2) was crisp early, possessing the ball with movement and sharp passes, to help break through the wall of Lady Panthers. Emiley Saddler penetrated into the box and delivered the game's first goal in the 10th minute.

The Lady Hurricanes did not let up and continued to apply pressure with their speed.

"The girls are playing hard and showing up in all the right spots," East Hamilton coach Carrie Hill said. "We knew they were a tough team defensively, so we made adjustments to use the flanks, and our team was really clicking."

Saddler was not finished, making another run toward the box. This time she lofted a chip shot that fell just over the goalkeeper's hands and under the crossbar to give East Hamilton a cushion at 2-0.

The Lady Panthers (8-4-3) were short on chances and could not get off a shot on goal. Their only shot of the half did not even make it into the penalty box, as a Lady Hurricanes defender got in the line of fire.

"We like to build up from the back with our defense. That's how we've won games," said Stone Memorial coach Michael Husbands.

The second half was not much different, as the Lady Hurricanes were stingy with their possession. They continued to create chances going to the outside and feeding crosses in front of the goal, but could not convert. Lady Panthers goalie Yen Ling tallied seven saves in the contest.

With under three minutes to play, Abie Adamsen lined up for a free kick well outside the box and fired a shot on goal that took one hop into the left corner for East Hamilton's third score, putting the seal on its berth in the region final.

"We're in a spot we haven't been to in a couple of years, and it's our first time as a triple-A team," Hill said. "We'll be happy to see some good competition."

Contact Idris Garcia at sports@timesfreepress.com.

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