Bulldogs blanks Bears

PHOTO BY GREG HARTLEY JR./MGCCC

PERKINSTON — Mississippi Gulf Coast blanked Southwest 1-0 in women's soccer action, but the Bulldogs weren't fully satisfied with their second shutout in a row.

"I think we were riding a really good high after showing so much offensive firepower at Co-Lin," Gulf Coast coach Jackie Rhodes said. "Today we just couldn't quite finish our opportunities. We had a lot of them, but we couldn't put them in the back of the net. I'll take a really bad win over a really good loss any day."

Gulf Coast improved to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in the MACCC South. The Bulldogs had shellacked Copiah-Lincoln 9-0 on Tuesday, but things just weren't clicking Friday at Bary Thrash Field.

Gulf Coast's only goal came in the 59th minute. Katie Brown (Fr., Picayune/Home School) got to the end line to the left of the Bears goal, and her crossed bounced off Leah Bennett eight yards out.

"It came off Leah, and I just saw an opportunity to score," Bettie Shoemaker said. "I didn't think it was going to be the only goal, but it was."

Shoemaker (So., Vancleave/St. Martin) flicked it with the outside of her right foot past the Southwest keeper.

Gulf Coast has posted shutouts in all four of its wins this season. Even with only a one goal output Friday, the Bulldogs have won those games by a combined 18-0 score.   

"It was a rough game, but a win's a win anyway it comes," Shoemaker said. "I proud of us for finishing it out and getting a 1-0 win."

Gulf Coast travels to archrival Pearl River on Monday for another big South showdown. Kickoff is at 5 p.m.

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