LOYD STAR — Consistency, finishing and maintaining energy were the objectives for Loyd Star Head Coach Jordan Lea Monday night. The Lady Hornets did just that enroute to a 5-0 shutout victory over Wesson. 

Lea said he wanted to see improvement from his team in those areas after a loss last week to Franklin County on penalty kicks. Loyd Star had scored the opening goal of that game just 10 minutes in but got complacent and let the Lady Bulldogs back into the match. 

Loyd Star took care of business Monday night after scoring the opening goal 12 minutes into the match. Adi Holcomb scored the goal from 25 yards out, looping it over the outstretched gloves of the Wesson goalkeeper. 

Her goal capped off a beautiful passing of the soccer ball as Loyd Star worked in possession to find openings. Loyd Star maintained consistent possession and dominated creating goal scoring chances. 

It took 11 more minutes before Chloe Rodriquez stepped up and cannoned a long range shot off the left post and into the goal. She was a workhorse on the left hand side of the field all night long. 

Ten minutes later, Emma King pounced on a rebound to extend the Loyd Star lead to 3-0 with 7 minutes left to play in the first half. At halftime, the Lady Hornets were well in control of the match. 

Loyd Star added to their lead 20 minutes into the second half when Maya Wyant curled a shot into the goal from outside the box. Loyd Star led 4-0. 

Emma King scored on a breakaway chance just 5 minutes later to give Loyd Star a 5-0 lead. The Lady Hornets saw out the rest of the match to maintain a shutout. 

“We worked really hard for the win, especially after our loss last week. We deserved it,” Rodriquez said. “I think we gained our confidence back. We lost it in the middle of the Franklin County game last week. We kept our course the entire time tonight.”

She said the team can improve by continuing to bring the same energy throughout the game. Lea was pleased with his team’s effort after the game and encouraged them to keep it up. Loyd Star is now halfway through the season and district play. 

Loyd Star’s next home game is against Perry Central Thursday at 5:30 p.m.  It will be senior night and one of Lea’s rules is the team does not lose on senior night. Rodriquez said there are six seniors on the squad. 

“They are all my best friends. We all play well together. I think it is going to be a good last season for all of us,” Rodriquez said. “Being a senior is a little sad because I only started playing soccer in ninth grade. It is my sport and I love it. I just love being with my friends, I like my coach. It is fun and you get to be part of something greater.”

Rodriquez said she used to cheer but quit it to focus on soccer. She also plays softball. 

After high school, Rodriquez plans to go to college and become a dental assistant and perhaps become a dentist or orthodontist.