Whaley’s goal leads Rams over LH

By DEAN DELLAMALVA JR.

MVI Sports
The Ringgold girls soccer team dominated play Wednesday in its Section 2-3A game against Laurel Highlands. However, the Rams had to sweat it out to secure victory.
Ringgold (2-2, 2-2) outshot the visiting Mustangs, 25-9, and played 90% of the game in the Laurel Highlands’ defensive end, but only managed a 1-0 victory in the Rams’ home opener.
Sophomore Abby Whaley broke through in the 52nd minute on a free kick from 35 yards out. The shot went over Mustangs’ keeper Jayden Ruvalcaba’s outstretched arms and into the back of the net. The tally broke the scoreless tie and ended some frustration for the Rams.
“At halftime we talked about the frustration and explained the importance of playing simple,” Rams coach Olivia Wilkerson said. “We were trying to force things instead of letting the flow of the game happen. In the second half we were able to correct that.”
In the first half, the Rams outshot Laurel Highlands, 10-2, but could not get many quality or close opportunities. The Ringgold midfield and defense kept putting the ball into the offensive zone and kept the Fillies out of the Rams’ back end.
“It is definitely becoming a theme for us, our defense and midfield have worked really well together,” Wilkerson said. “There were a couple small issues but they were able to regroup. That just comes from the trust and respect they have for each other.”
Laurel Highlands didn’t manage their first shot until the 32 minutes in.
One of its best opportunities came on a shot from about 25 yards out but Rams keeper Emily Doleno stopped it. The freshman made nine saves in securing her first career shutout.

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