Local teams reach semis of Optimist Spring Classic

Central's girls soccer team controlled play for much of the game, but it took more than 70 minutes for the Tigers to get on the board in a 1-0 win over Perryville on Friday at the Noon Optimist Spring Classic at Notre Dame Regional High School.

Central will face Jackson in the semifinals at noon today. In the other semifinal, also at noon, Notre Dame will face Poplar Bluff.

Heidi Pilsner broke a 0-0 tie with just less than 10 minutes remaining on a long pass from Megan McDonald for Central's game-winner. Central had several strong chances before Pilsner's goal, but the Tigers had trouble beating Perryville goalie Chastity Marr.

"I thought we controlled the game," Central coach Tom Doyle said. "Again the place we lack is finishing. We just didn't finish, and that's what happened the other night, too."

While the Tigers controlled possession, Perryville was able to get its share of chances. Central goalie Chelsey Burns made a couple of strong saves in the first half, and then made a big save with less than a minute left to preserve the win. Burns was able to make a quick reaction save off a shot which deflected off her own defender.

"She probably made seven or eight saves," Doyle said of Burns. "While probably six of them were easy saves, the other two or three she really came up big and did a super job."

Notre Dame 7, Marion (Ill.) 0

Lauren Mehner scored twice while Sierra Ellis had one goal and three assists as Notre Dame rolled.

Also scoring for the Bulldogs were Megan Holloway, Amanda Dirnberger, Meredith Medlin and Destiny Dirnberger. Holloway, Amanda Dirnberger and Jesse Westrich all added assists.

Katie Palmer and Laura Muir shared the shutout.

Jackson 10, Farmington 0

Molly Hartmann scored three goals and assisted on another to lead Jackson to an opening round win.

Randi Kraust added two goals for Jackson. Other goal scorers included Emily Curtis, Whitney Dietl, Lucy Hartmann, Erin Curtis and KT Biri. Assists went to Kraust (2), Biri, Elizabeth Nussbaum and Leslie Gordon.

Kylie Werner and Logan Johnson combined for the shutout.

Poplar Bluff 2, St. Vincent 1, 2OT

Michelle Herzog saved 15 shots, but could not keep out a shot in the second overtime period.

Theresa Mattingly scored the lone goal for St. Vincent (0-3). St. Vincent will play Marion at 10 a.m. today in a consolation semifinal.