Beech Tree News Network

The Lady Bears were somewhat less than hospitable to the Lady Cougars and Fighting Tigers as they hosted them for the first week of the abbreviated season with two games this week.  The decision was made to build on the numerous younger players with a strong JV team before going back to a full JV and Varsity schedule.  Many teams won’t travel or even play only Junior Varsity matches.  Thankfully, Grayson County and Breckinridge County agreed to travel to Butler County. The Lady Bears will return the favor.  

The Lady Bears defeated the Lady Cougars 3-1 on Monday evening. Scoring for Butler County was Tori Hampton with two goals and Carlee Mitchell with one goal.  Goalkeeper, Becky Mullins, defended 12 shots on goal successfully and only allowed one goal during the match.

Breckinridge County came calling on Thursday night, and the Bears mauled them by a score of 5-1.  Scoring was balanced between four players; Dixie Garnier with 2, and Tori Hampton, Carlee Mitchell, and Michelle Cardwell, each scoring 1.  Becky Mullins continued her strong defensive ways by stopping 11 shots on goal and only allowing 1 goal.
The Lady Bears under Coach Sam Hartford and assistant coach Cindy Brooks Stewart played a very disciplined ballgame; each player covered their zone very effectively.  Former boys coach and current Butler County High principal Patrick O’Driscoll commented, “This is the best lady soccer team I’ve seen in a long time.”

Samantha Beatty, Candice King, Bailey Stinson, and Brianna Tomes were tenacious in the backfield; they stopped many passes and reset offensive plays. Kierra Neighbors, Tori Hampton, and Dixie Garnier kept the attack going forward when midfielders Ciara House, Bailey Collins, and Carlee Mitchell pushed the ball forward on offense.  Freshmen Kaeleigh Graham has yet to play due to an injury, but  got medical clearance and should be appearing soon.

This junior varsity team will be traveling for the next four games before its final game on September 29 against neighboring rival Muhlenberg County.  The final game will be at 6 PM at the Mike Hayes Field at the Charles T. Black, Morgantown City Park.

Story and photos by: David Hocker, Beech Tree News