Jackson wins fourth straight championship

HILLSBORO — District championships are getting to be old hat for Jackson senior soccer player Jenni Tenholder.

Tenholder celebrated her fourth district title as the Indians defeated Seckman 3-1 on Thursday night in the championship game of the Class 2 District 1 tournament at Hillsboro High School.

The win moves Jackson to the Class 2 sectional Tuesday in Farmington. The Indians will face the winner of the District 2 championship game between heavily favored Hazelwood Central and McCluer North.

Tenholder has yet to get past that round, as the Indians have won just one of seven sectional games in school history.

"I really think this year's team is better prepared to win the next round than the other three I have played on," Tenholder said. "This team has more ability and we have confidence in one another."

There were no wild celebrations after the win Thursday. The Indians hope to hold that Tuesday.

"The girls were not taking anything for granted tonight," first-year Jackson coach Julie Wunderlich said. "We had beaten Seckman earlier in the year [3-2], and we knew that they would be ready for us. It is a relief as much as anything to win the district. We are definitely looking forward to the next round."

It was apparent from the start that the Indians were not taking the Jaguars for granted. Jackson had some good early chances and finally scored the first goal. Freshman Kasey Crowden, who was a constant threat all night, crossed a ball that was not handled by Seckman keeper Brittini Henderson. Sophomore Hannah Roach was there to tap the ball in.

The lead held for all of four minutes as Seckman's Megan Nash scored on a brilliant shot from a difficult angle. Nash was set to take a corner kick and touched the ball to Danielle Thomas, who gave it back to Nash. She beat Indians keeper Morgan Riddick with a shot to the upper corner.

"I have to admit that was a lucky goal," Nash said. "I was actually just trying to cross the ball and it went in. I will take it, though."

Jackson regained the lead before halftime. Tenholder won a 50-50 head ball and passed it to Crowden, who settled the ball and beat Henderson with a nice shot with less than 10 minutes to go in the half.

Crowden was involved in all three Indians goals. She had a nice run and pass to Bobbi Jo Schlick for the only second-half goal.

The Jaguars appeared to have scored midway through the second half, but the score was negated after being ruled out of bounds before barely crossing the goal line.

"The girls knew they had to come out with intensity tonight," Wunderlich said. "They were pumped for the game and it was a great team effort. I feel that if we play the way we can that anything is within our reach."