Lady Warriors beat No. 1 Jackson 2-1

WORLAND- It was an exciting atmosphere yesterday afternoon, to start it was senior night for the boys and girls of Worland High School soccer teams. Then the opponent for the night was Jackson, the No. 1 ranked team for both boys and girls.

The Lady Warriors got the first shot at Jackson and from start to finish they made the Lady Broncs play their game. Worland was more physical, faster and locked-in mentally. They made Jackson work for each and every possession.

At the end of the first half the score was 0-0, coming out of halftime the Lady Warriors jumped on the Lady Broncs by pushing the attack and getting a few good looks at the goal. One of which was by sophomore Casey Wassum whose kick from around the 18 feet just hit off the top of the cross bar.

A few minutes after Wassum's attempted strike, junior Hannah Ozmon curved in a gorgeous, jaw-dropping, corner kick for the match's first goal in the 48th minute. The goal energized the Lady Warriors and kept pushing the attack on Jackson.

In the 61st minute Ozmon setup freshman Kendall Wright with a great cross that Wright finished off with an excellent strike putting Worland up 2-0.

Even with a two goal deficit the Lady Broncs are the No. 1 team in the state for a reason. Not long after Wright's goal Jackson took a deep, deep shot on goal that connected, cutting Worland's lead to one.

The goal seemed to raise the Lady Warriors to another level as they pushed Jackson even harder making every possession by the Lady Broncs difficult and short-lived. Then once that final whistle was signaled and the victory for the Lady Warriors official, the joy from the players, coaches, parents and fans was infectious.

"This whole week we worked on defensive focus. If someone is in your zone pick them immediately, don't let them come in unmarked and the girls did an excellent job of that tonight," said coach Danielle Warren

Coach Warren added, "Also during the week we had coaches, like Mrs. Miller and Mr. (Dean) Barrent, come and talk to the players about what it takes to be a champion and the mindset of a champion."

Next for the Lady Warriors will be a Tuesday match to decide the quadrant at 4 p.m. in Cody.

"We know what to do and what we have to do, we just need to go out there and take care of business," said coach Warren about the Cody match.

Warriors

Although they lost to Jackson 4-1 Friday night, the Warriors played like they have all season, with grit and determination.

At one point the score was 4-0 and the match well within hand for the Broncs but Worland never gave in. This mentality paid off for the Warriors when Bryan Castro kicked in the lone goal for his team in the 80th minute of the match.

"They're the defending champs and No. 1 team in the state for a reason. If you have a breakdown on defense they're going to make you pay," said coach Ron Overcast.

Moving forward coach Overcast told his team, "Don't let Jackson beat us a second time on Tuesday. We're still a good soccer team and it doesn't change the focus from winning the Northwest quadrant."

Tuesday's 6 p.m. match against Cody will also decide the winner of the Northwest quadrant and by winning the quadrant will secure a No. 1 seed for the Warriors at the state tournament in Sheridan on May 26-28.

"We're going to take it one step at a time, we'll be back to work on Monday , then Tuesday head up to Cody with a chance to win the quadrant. And as long as we go out there with the right energy and play hard, I like our chances," said coach Overcast.