Whalen leads Lady Trojans to 5-1 soccer win over Ooltewah

Arkansas-SEMO Live Blog

Soddy-Daisy soccer coach Moises Drumond likes a blend of youth and experience when his team is on the pitch.

Tuesday evening, both were on full display.

Led by two goals and an assist by sophomore Soni Whalen, the Lady Trojans rolled to a 5-1 District 5-AAA victory over Ooltewah. Their second score was by freshman Carly Pifer from about 40 feet in the 12th minute.

Senior Baylee Burk -- who spent most of last season as the team's goalkeeper -- added a goal and an assist.

"We're young, but we have a good balance of talent and youth," Drumond said. "For our first district match, we didn't do bad. Once we settled down and worked quick, we created a lot of opportunities."

The Lady Trojans (3-2-1, 1-0) got on the board in the second minute, as Anna Lanter made a cross that sailed high but to Burk, who touched the ball back to Kelsey Henry for the goal.

Whalen had goals in the 50th and 67th minutes, and Burk scored in the 60th.

Brittany Reid, who had a solid night attacking the Soddy-Daisy defense, helped create Ooltewah's goal in the 76th minute with a shot that was followed up by Olivia Tawzer.

The Lady Owls' Kendall Godwin, filling in for starting keeper Gracey Hall, made 10 saves.

Ooltewah (2-3, 0-1) also was down two starters in the field.

"We're a young team, but the girls worked hard and kept fighting," coach Rick Adolph said. "We're doing the best we can, but I think we'll be competitive when we get fully healthy again."

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.

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