Valley Sports ReportATHENS — In stark contrast to their first meeting, Athens — behind two goals from senior Brinn Nichols and one goal and two assists from senior Delanie Patton — posted a 4-1 win over Troy here Tuesday afternoon in NTL girls soccer action at Alumni Stadium.
"I am proud of my team," said Athens coach Rich Pitts. "They just worked so hard all game to secure a big win.
"Troy is a great team and we respect the heck out of them.
"We will enjoy this one tonight," added Pitts. "We will head back to work tomorrow as we prepare for Williamson."
The Trojans blanked Athens, 1-0, on Sept. 5.
Patton set the table for the Wildcats' second goal with a long run into the Troy box, where she was tackled to draw a penalty kick. Nichols converted the PK to make it 2-0.
After Troy got on the board to close the gap to 2-1, Patton delivered a long pass to sophomore Billie Wennie, who was running up the left-side of the box. Wennie controlled the pass and finished with a left-footed shot into the net to give the Wildcats a 3-1 lead.
Patton finished off the scoring with a long run up the right side of the field, where she beat a couple of defenders to end up in a 1-on-1 with the Troy keeper, who made the initial stop.
Patton controlled the loose ball and found the back of the net to make it 4-1.
Troy had a 24-12 advantage in shots-on-goal, and a 3-1 edge in corner kicks.
Junior Annika Lezak recorded 12 saves in net for the Wildcats.
Athens, now 6-2-1, returns to action at Williamson.
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PHOTOS BY MATT PATTON.
