Bulldogs advance to MACCC semis

PERKINSTON — Leah Bennett's first-half goal came while Mississippi Gulf Coast was playing with the wind Tuesday, and the Bulldogs made it stand up against for a 1-0 playoff win over Northwest Mississippi while playing against the wind. 

"The wind was much more of a factor than I thought," Gulf Coast coach Jackie Rhodes said. "We'll take a win in the playoffs any way we can get it."

Gulf Coast earned a berth in the MACCC/NJCAA Region 23 semifinals, where No. 2 Holmes awaits. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at Bary Thrash Field in Perkinston. The game will be streamed at https://livestream.com/mgcccbulldogs/events/9673397.

The Bulldogs (8-4-2) had created some chances early, but it wasn't until the 27^th minute when they were able to connect. Alyssa Palisi (Fr., Diamondhead/Hancock) deflected a pass from Brianna Lee (Fr., Perkinston/Stone) to Bennett. She quickly played a 1-2 back with Palisi. 

"We'd been breaking through the whole game, and I knew we had to get a goal," Bennett said. "In that moment, I just saw an opening and I turned and took it. Thank God, it went in."

Northwest (6-6), which is coached by former Gulf Coast men's start James Beattie, was able to keep Gulf Coast pinned in its own end for much of the second half. The wind helped that out, but there were a number of overcooked passes and crosses too close to the end line that the wind carried out of play.

"It was very bad," Gulf Coast keeper Skyler Steede said. "My goal kicks were going a little shorter than normal, and so were my punts. I just had to adjust and play my game. I didn't have too many shots on me, but it wasn't too difficult."

Steede (So., Lucedale/George County) notched another shutout, a perfect way to celebrate having been named MACCC Keeper of the Week earlier in the day.

Gulf Coast will have its hands full Saturday against Holmes. The Bulldogs lost 6-2 in Ridgeland early in the season, and they hope to extend a four-game unbeaten streak that started back in the regular season.

"I think it's big for us," Palisi said. It gives us momentum for this weekend." 

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