A two minute span late in the first half turned out to be the difference for the Calloway County Lady Lakers Monday evening. Senior Zoe Stom broke open for two goals in the final four minutes of the first half, as the Lady Lakers upended Unversity Heights Academy 3-1 in the Lady Blazers season opener on their home pitch.
With oppressive weather conditions, both teams spent the early part of the game looking for chances to break out on top. The Lady Blazers had a trio of opportunities from Grace Pape, but none found the net as the game remained a scoreless tie until the 17:00 mark.
It was at that point that Calloway’s Elle Carson found the net and put the Lady Lakers on top 1-0. Nineteen minutes later, Stom broke open on a run and drilled a shot into the net to extend the lead to 2-0. Just two minutes later, Stom hit the net again as Calloway County pushed the lead out to 3-0.
UHA looked like they were ready to begin a rally when Grace Pape sent a rocket past the goalie from 30 yards away to trim the lead to 3-1 at the 50:00 mark.
However, Calloway County’s defense was able to withstand any comeback effort as the Lady Lakers held on for the 3-1 win.
In addition to Pape’s goal, the Lady Blazers got solid upfront play from Emma Perry. Defensively, Piper Hancock and Mallory Rager kept the Lady Lakers in check for most of the game.
UHA will return to action Thursday on the road at McCracken County.