BENTONVILLE BLANKS SOUTHSIDE 5-0

Kristina Henry talked to her team about starting strong against a Fort Smith Southside team that had a lot of momentum entering Friday's soccer match. Bentonville High did just that at Jim Rowland Stadium. The Lady Tigers scored a couple goals in the initial six minutes of the game and pulled away against the hosts for a 5-0 victory in the quarterfinals of the 7A state girls soccer tournament in Rowland Stadium. "We talked about playing a team that had a really great day in the first round," Henry said. "They are playing at home with a lot of confidence. Stuff like that factors into games. This was a nice win." Southside (16-8) scored nine goals in its first-round mercy rule victory against Rogers Heritage. But it was a much different story against Bentonville, the defending state champion. "They are a good team," Southside coach Jeremy Davis said. "You can't give a team like that gifts. We gave them two early there. I think that was the difference in the game." Bentonville senior Lauren Hargus gave the Lady Tigers a quick 1-0 lead scoring just four minutes into the match. Sophomore forward Tyler Anne Reash then added a goal two minutes after that to give Bentonville a 2-0 advantage. The Lady Tigers, who have won seven state titles in the last 10 seasons, didn't look back after that. "It was a great win," Henry said. "It was good to get those two quick goals to calm everybody down. We started to play our game after that point. Always good to come out and play well." Southside was able to keep itself in the game by not allowing another goal in the first half after giving up two quick ones to open the game. Bentonville (20-3) was able to find its way in the second half, adding three more goals including one just after the break. Senior midfielder Lauren Holly scored six minutes after halftime to extend Bentonville's lead to 3-0. The Lady Tigers were able to close out the game strong by adding two more goals both by senior Victoria Mitchell to take a 5-0 advantage. Bentonville junior keeper Maddee East posted a shutout in goal and saw just two Southside shots come her way.

BENTONVILLE BLANKS SOUTHSIDE 5-0

HAROLD MCILVAIN

Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette | 5/13/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Jason Ivester