Valley Sports ReportATHENS — Junior Delanie Patton netted a hat trick to lead Athens to a 5-1 Senior Night win over Tioga here Monday evening in non-league girls soccer action at Alumni Stadium.
"Tonight was a great send off for the seniors," said Athens coach Rich Pitts. "Last home game for them and they didn’t disappoint.
"We moved the ball very well and overall we played very technical and tactical.
"Kenna (Jarvis) got tasked with keeping Grace (Howey) in front of us and overall we did that as she is a dangerous player as you could see on her goal," added Pitts.
Senior Abby Burgess, off an assist from Danica May, gave the Wildcats a 1-0 lead about 11 minutes into the game.
Patton scored with 9:21 remaining in the first half to make it 2-0, which is where it stood at the halftime intermission.
Patton scored in the opening minute of the second half, and senior Olivia Thompson scored about 10 minutes later to make it 4-0.
Tioga freshman Grace Howey, off a feed from senior Sophia Howey, scored with 16:10 remaining in the game.
Patton finished off her hat trick about nine minutes later to complete the scoring.
Athens had a 26-9 advantage in shots-on-goal and a 9-1 edge in corner kicks.
Junior Marcy Moniz recorded 20 saves in net for the Tigers, while sophomore Annika Lezak had three for the Wildcats.
Pitts was appreciative of Tioga adding a game to their schedule.
"We want to thank Tioga for coming over and making us better tonight," said Pitts. "They play great soccer and we wish them well in their championship game on Saturday."
Athens, now 9-7, travels to Williamson Thursday.
"On to tomorrow in a quick turn-around against a quality opponent," said Pitts.
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IN PHOTO 1: Athens senior Lizzie Gorsline and Tioga senior Sophia Haney. IN TOP PHOTO: Athens junior Delanie Patton (6). ... PHOTOS BY MATT PATTON.
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