Lady Tigers win via shutout over Hillsboro 

HILLSBORO — Round one in the rivalry series in Highland County and the Frontier Athletic Conference went to the McClain Lady Tigers on Tuesday evening, as they defeated the Hillsboro Lady Indians, 4-0 at Hillsboro High School. 

The Sept. 16 victory over HHS saw McClain lead 3-0 at halftime, and they added one final goal in the second half to seal the win. 

McClain head coach Blain Bergstrom spoke highly of the McClain defense, including keeper Leah Lovett, plus a senior back line of Brie Cummins (left back), Becca Bergstrom (left centerback), Bailey Parson (right centerback) and Abigail Marsh (right back).  

“Defensively we played exceptionally well, and our goalie (Leah Lovett) played awesome,” McClain head coach Blaine Bergstrom said. “Leah Lovett is a first-year goalie, and she’s just playing out of her mind right now, and I hope she continues that. She’s getting better each game. She’s doing an exceptional job. 

“We have four seniors on the back line, and they help command that and makes it a lot easier for her too, but our defense is playing good right now. Brie is a first-year player for us on the back side, but she’s a great athlete. Becca and Bailey have started four years for me, and Abigail is starting on the right side for me for three years. They know how to play and communicate on the field. It has been really good, and they know how to work together.”

McClain’s first goal came early with 38:33 left on the first-half clock when junior Larah Henson scored the first of her two goals with the assist off a corner kick by senior Mylie Lovett. 

Just a few minutes later, it was the same duo, as Henson scored her second goal for McClain with the assist off another corner kick by Lovett with 33:58 on the clock for a 2-0 lead. 

McClain gained a three-goal lead with 19:08 on the clock, as senior Addison Olaker made it a 3-0 score off a kick that was assisted by Henson. 

With McClain leading 3-0 at halftime, the Lady Tigers scored one final time in the second half with 17:12 on the scoreboard, as junior Paisley Pryor scored a goal with the assist from senior Cummins. 

The win improves McClain to an overall record of 8-1-1 with an FAC record of 4-0-1. Hillsboro is now 5-5-0 overall and 3-2-0 in the FAC. 

Next for McClain is an FAC match on Thursday, Sept. 18 on the road against Chillicothe at 5 p.m. 

HHS will play at home on Wednesday, Sept. 17 against Wilmington, followed by a home FAC match on Thursday, Sept. 18 against Miami Trace.