By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
DUNCAN – Piedmont kept its hot start going last Thursday night with a 6-0 district win over Duncan before heading to spring break.
The Wildcats took a two-goal lead into halftime after scores from sophomores Brooke Welch and Kenley Gold, Welch assisting on Gold’s goal.
“I was really happy with them,” Piedmont coach Brad Bruckner said. “Possession-wise, they looked as good as they have all year. We’re starting to work some kinks out. I told them second half, keep doing what you’re doing and take more shots.”
The Wildcats played against the wind in the second half, holding the ball up on through passes and leading to four more goals to seal the victory. Welch scored three more times in the second half with two assists from sophomore Lenzie Stephenson and once by senior Ashlynn McMahan. Junior McKinley Lee scored the final goal of the game off an assist from McMahan.
“The ball held up more for us in the win in the second half,” Bruckner said. “They (Duncan) also came after us more, but we were able to get behind them for some quick goals. I’m happy the girls played a good, clean game right before the break.”
With one district win under their belts, the Wildcats now turn to the second half of the season with a match against Bishop McGuinness at home Tuesday night. The match marks just the first time the Cats will play in front of home fans this season.
“I kind of like that it happened that way,” Bruckner said. “Road trips build team unitiy. For us I think it’s given us a chance to spend a lot of time together. That’s huge during a long season and now we get to play in front of our fans down the stretch.”
Piedmont sits at 5-0 atop the District 5A-2 standings after the win over Duncan. The Cats have defeated El Reno, Enid, Carl Albert and Putnam City on route to the undefeated start. Five of the team’s last seven non-tournament matches are scheduled to be played at F&M Bank Stadium, including matches against the Irish, Western Heights, Heritage Hall, Lawton Ike and Altus.
The Wildcats and Bishop McGuinness kickoff Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m. before the Cats head to the Northwest Classen Tournament next weekend.
