The Batesville Lady Bulldogs gave it all they had, but it was not quite enough.
The No. 7 ranked Oldenburg Academy soccer team advanced to the sectional finals with a 2-1 victory over Batesville. The game was decided with overtime penalty kicks, which the Lady Twisters outscored Batesville 4-3.
"The girls left everything they had on the field,” BHS coach Kyle Laker commented. “I am extremely proud of the effort and intensity the girls brought to the game.
“We were a touch away from winning this game in regulation. I am so proud of the heart our girls played with and we have gained a lot of experience from the game,” he added.
The two teams had just played to a 1-0 decision less than a week ago. This one was just as competitive.
Neither team scored in the first half and played to a 0-0 tie.
The Lady Twisters controlled the ball most of the first 40 minutes, but could not find the net. The Batesville defense stepped up on a number of occasions to interrupt the OA scoring opportunities at the last moment.
The second half was a different story.
Both teams mounted attacks and found some success.
Oldenburg Academy took the lead in the second half with goal by Hannah Hanauer. Hanauer’s shot was lofted over the head of Batesville goalie Rebecca Roell and fell safely in the net.
With 25 minutes left in regulation, Batesville countered to tie the score. Mary Elizabeth Elkins scored her second goal of the tournament with a shot from 25 yards out that was placed into the top of the net.
Batesville managed to hit the post later in the half from a direct kick by Brooke Rohlfing, but the Lady Bulldogs were unable to get another touch on it to finish the chance.
In overtime, Oldenburg had the only good opportunity on goal, but the Bulldog defense held strong after several attempts to clear the ball inside the six- yard box, according to Laker.
The Lady Twisters went on to win the game in the shootout phase.
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