ROGERS -- Rogers Heritage didn't manage a victory, but a strong second half helped the Lady War Eagles earn a 1-1 tie against Cabot in girls soccer Thursday at Gates Stadium.
Raya Jones scored Heritage's lone goal on a high looping shot from 35 yards out, catching Cabot goalkeeper Katie Estes out of position to tie the match midway through the second half.
Rogers Heritage 1, Cabot 1
Cabot^1^0^—^1
Rogers Heritage^0^1^—^1
Lady War Eagles coach Craig Frank said his team played much better in the second half, after some first half struggles.
"We dominated the second half and they had control of the first half," Frank said. "We were lucky to only give up one going against the wind. We challenged them at halftime. Conference is starting when we get back from spring break. We have a young team, but we have to mature now. We can't wait until next year."
The Lady War Eagles (2-3-1) did just that in the final 40 minutes with four shots on goal, including the big shot by Jones.
"They were applying some pressure and we had a quick counter attack," Frank said. "We caught their goalie about 8 yards out and she couldn't get back."
Heritage had a couple of chances to take the lead in the last 15 minutes, but Estes was up to the task each time to earn the tie.
Frank also lauded the play of senior goalkeeper Stacey Schimmel, who finished with six saves including a spectacular one near the end of the first half to keep the Cabot lead at 1-0. The senior signed to play at Avila University earlier in the day.
"She made that airplane save at the end of the half that was spectacular," Frank said. "Her college coach was here checking her out today. She displayed the confidence you need to play at the next level."
Cabot coach Kerry Castillo said Heritage definitely outplayed his Lady Panthers in the second half. Cabot scored seven minutes into the first half, but couldn't manage another despite several opportunities especially in the first 40 minutes.
"I think their work rate was better," Castillo said. "They certainly won the physical challenges, won the 50-50 balls in the air in the second half. Honestly, we were fortunate it wasn't 2-1 or 3-1 with the opportunities they had."
Heritage opens 7A/6A-Conference play at Fayetteville after spring break on April 3.
Sports on 03/21/2014