By Michael Lindsay
The Cumberland County Lady Jet soccer team wrapped up their 2022 campaign Tuesday as they fell at Anderson County in the Region 3AA semifinals, 3-1.
“We put up a fight; we were down 2-0 with 4 minutes left when we scored,” said CCHS head coach Cub Whitson. “It shows the fight we have.”
Lady Maverick Sophomore Emma Leander recorded a hat trick against the Lady Jets, scoring all 3 AC goals in the win.
“It feels like everybody is picking up phenomenal strikers this year,” Whitson said. “Anderson’s girl was amazing with the ball at her feet.”
Leander’s first goal came with 26:19 left in the opening period to put the Lady Mavs up 1-0 at halftime.
She found the back of the net again less than 3 minutes into the second half, putting Anderson County up 2-0 with 37:21 remaining.
With time winding down, Cumberland County broke through and scored with 3:48 left as Peyton Dunlap outran the AC defense and beat the Lady Maverick keeper to pull the score within one at 2-1.
“We talked about keeping our wings high and wide to try and spread out their defense,” Whitson said. “We know Peyton Dunlap can outrun most players, and that’s what happened. Grace Baldwin received it at midfield and found a perfect seam. Peyton played it perfectly and put it on the net.”
The Lady Jets were within a goal for 18 seconds before Anderson County’s Leander scored again, putting AC up 3-1 with 3:30 to go.
“The girls continued working and it finally paid off,” Whitson said. “Unfortunately, we turned right around and gave up another goal. I’m proud of our effort.”
The 3-1 score would stand for the rest of the game, wrapping the Lady Jets’ season up in Clinton.
Cumberland County finishes the year at 12-8-1, while the 9-7-1 Lady Mavericks travel to Livingston Academy Thursday for the Region 3AA championship.
Details on LA’s semifinal win over Kingston are available at www.uppercumberlandreporter.com.
