October 5, 2009

Lady Tiger soccer falls to 12th ranked Butler

Having scored 45 goals in its past four games, the No. 12-ranked Butler Community College women’s soccer team entered Saturday’s game against Cowley College unbeaten in the Jayhawk Conference.

The Lady Tigers gave Butler fits by playing a strong defensive game, however, it was not enough as the Lady Grizzlies escaped with a 3-1 road victory.

“We played a real strong defensive game and did not give them many opportunities to come at us,” Cowley head coach Dane Straight said. “We just were not able to quite get the final touch we needed to score a couple more goals.”

Cindy Benitez scored a pair of goals for Butler as they took a 2-0 lead into the halftime intermission. Butler’s lead would grow to 3-0 on Sade Humphrey’s goal 8:37 into the second half.

Cowley got on the scoreboard with 14:25 remaining as midfielder Jerrika Keirn sent a header to Ciara Corboy, who blasted a shot over the head of Lady Grizzlies’ goalkeeper Sarah Flaherty.

Unfortunately, that would be all the scoring Cowley could muster as they fell to 5-5 overall and 3-3 in the Jayhawk Conference. Butler improves to 10-3-1 overall and 5-0 in conference play.

Despite the defeat, Straight praised the play of defenders Alexa Wentworth and Brittany Newbolt.

“They both worked their tails off, were physical and did a good job of intercepting passes,” Straight said.

Sadie Hull also played a strong game out of the midfield position, while Stephanie Bearare gave the team solid minutes as a sweeper.

Cowley will look to continue its trend of earning a win following a loss when they play at Coffeyville Tuesday at 4 p.m. The Lady Red Ravens are tied with Cowley for sixth place in the conference with a record of 3-3.

“It will be a challenge for us because they are well coached and do not give up,” Straight said. “It should be a fast and physical match.”