LOYD STAR — It was Emma King who scored the final goal in Loyd Star’s 7-0 thrashing of Bogue Chitto Monday night. Her goal also clinched a hattrick and ended the match with 25 minutes left in the second half. 

King scored one goal in the first half and two goals in the second half. She encouraged her teammates to press for the seventh and final goal as the team dominated the Bogue Chitto Bobcats. 

Loyd Star jumped out to a 4-0 lead within 15 minutes of kickoff. Fans could have missed some of the goals if they blinked. 

Adi Holcombe had two goals, Ady Locke had one goal, Chloe Rodriquez scored one goal and King’s hattrick rounded out the scoring for the Hornets. It was an impressive offensive performance by Loyd Star as they kept possession and created chances. One they hope to recreate against Franklin County later this week. 

“It feels very good. I just love being a part of the team and helping contribute,” King said. “We have Franklin County this week and that is much more important. I think we will have to play the whole game. We have been working on consistency this year. I think we have to make smart decisions and passes.”

Loyd Star lost a game earlier in the year to Franklin County in a penalty shootout. The game taught the Hornets they needed to compete the entire game. Consistent play and focus are the keys to Loyd Star’s 5-1 record in district play. 

Head Coach Jordan Lea reminded the team they will be playing for a district championship Thursday. Loyd Star has dominated opponents in goal scoring and would likely hold any tiebreakers against Franklin County if they do win. Lea called the game the biggest game of the year. 

King and her teammates took Lea’s words to heart as he spoke Monday night. She wants to win a district championship not just for herself but her senior teammates. 

“I want to get revenge for me and our seniors. We have a great group of seniors and they want a district championship,” King said. “We all have worked hard. It would be great to send them off with a district championship.”

As Lea left the postgame huddle to coach the boys squad, King stepped up to speak. She has moved into a leadership role on the team. 

Her former teammate Abby Burnette, who graduated last year, used to be the leader of the squad. She also played forward with King 

“She was a big asset. Everyone has had to step up their game and push to fill her spot,” King said. “Her graduation made us all better and work harder. She was the one striker with me last year. This year, I’ve had to get used to other forwards and how they pass and play. It has been good to play with different people. I do miss her. She was a close friend of mine. I’ve had to expand to different ways of playing now. I have to be better and try different things. I’ve really gotten better at passing and sending through balls. I love my team and I love my seniors.”