It only took 7 days, 19 hours and 41 minutes but when the clock read zero on Saturday afternoon the Lady Bruins had captured their first win of the season. Victory never tasted so sweet as the team has been working hard all season long. Throughout their first games, the Bruins have been on the cusp of victory several times, only to fall in defeat in several close matches. Today would be different. In this match, the Bruins would control the pace of the game and would put forth a tremendous offensive output in a 4-1 win over the Tennessee Temple Crusaders. "I am very proud of the work and effort they put in," said Coach Carmichael. "They played with conviction and the girls really stepped it up."
The Bruins came out strong from the opening kickoff and were resolved to put up good offensive numbers. That would be no problem for the Bruins on this match as the ladies took control of the game and began to rush the net. In the 15th minute, Rebecca Luttrell would put the Bruins on the board with a beautiful goal making it 1-0. Less than three minutes later Jenn Wise would notch her first goal of the year putting the Bruins up 2-0. The Bruins were asserting their dominance and controlling the pace of the game. As the half neared its end, the Crusaders were just looking to get off the field and into halftime. Jill Iles would then net a goal just before halftime to give the Bruins a commanding 3-0 lead going into the break. "The defense played outstanding, and our offense really stepped up the attack and were able to string together some great combinations for goals," said Coach Carmichael.
As the second half began, the Bruins continued to control the pace of the game. Despite giving up a goal late in the second half, the Bruins remained focused as they knew their first victory was within reach. With less than five minutes left to go in the game, Sarah Porch scored her second goal of the season putting the final exclamation point on the Lady Bruins first win.
Porch, one of the captains of this Lady Bruins' squad was very proud of the effort. "We were very determined to play hard this game," said Porch. “From the start we kept the pressure on and even when we got the lead we wanted to play well all the way to the end.” The team has had many tough losses, but Porch says the team’s spirit has never faltered. “We have come close so many times and it was awesome to see our hard work and determination finally pay off." The team is now 1-4 on the season, but certainly will relish in their first win.
The ladies will finally be able to get some much needed rest as they have played five matches in the first eight days of the season. Next up for the Bruins is a home game against the Toccoa Falls Eagles on Friday night. No doubt the team will be ready for the next game, but for now the focus is on a job well done for the Lady Bruins as they celebrate their first win of the season.
