McDonald helps Central to 2-1 win over Mules

Central senior Megan McDonald recently earned the Tigers' female athlete of the year award at the school's annual athletics banquet, and on Monday she showed why with a goal 12 minutes into the second half to help spark a comeback in a 2-1 win over Poplar Bluff in the Class 2 District 1 semifinals at Central.

With the Tigers' offense stalled through the first half, McDonald took it into her own hands to get Central on the board. McDonald corralled the ball just outside of the goal box, turned, then fired a low shot into the left corner to tie the score at 1-1.

Once McDonald's shot hit the back of the net the Tigers had new life to their step. While the Tigers had controlled play much of the game, that goal gave the team a confidence it lacked early in the game.

"We started passing better, and we stepped up better," McDonald said. "I think it was a momentum turner."

Only six minutes later forward Heidi Pilsner put the Tigers on top. Pilsner's speed gave Poplar Bluff trouble all night, and it was that speed which led to the game-winning goal. Pilsner took a pass out of the backfield, simply out-ran her defender and beat the charging Poplar Bluff goalie low to the left side.

"That gal was manhandling her a bit, but she was able to use her speed," Central coach Tom Doyle said of Pilsner.

Poplar Bluff nearly ruined the Tigers' comeback with about 10 minutes to go. After an initial Mule shot was deflected off the post, Central goalie Lee Thomas managed to keep a rebound shot from Mule forward Samantha Gaines from crossing the goal line. Gaines, who scored Poplar Bluff's first-half goal, had her first pumping after the shot, but the referees never signaled a goal. The Tigers then hung on for the win.

Central (12-11) will face top-seeded Jackson (21-3-1) in the district finals at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Central is 0-3 against Jackson this season.

Jackson 9, Farmington 0

Jackson had little trouble with No. 4 Farmington in its semifinal game.

Molly Hartmann scored career goal 101 less than three minutes into the game as Jackson cruised. Shay Priester scored three goals, Emily Curtis had two, and Amber Tenholder, Liz Nussbaum and Hannah Kohm scored a goal apiece.

Hartmann, Priester (two) and Rebecca Richbourg had assists. Kylie Werner recorded her 20th shutout of the season, helping push Jackson's state-record shutout streak to 17.

"Defensively we did well," Jackson coach Zack Walton said. "To allow any team to just one shot, you're doing something right."

Jackson's defense, which has allowed only eight goals in 25 games, will have to face one of the few teams to score on it in the district finals. Jackson owns wins of 2-1, 2-1 and 1-0 over Central.

"To beat a team four times in one season is a tough accomplishment," Walton said.