Todd County Central scored four goals in a six-minute span of the first half to beat Monroe County Saturday in the semifinals of the Fourth Region All-A Classic in Russellville. The Lady Rebels will play Glasgow in the Saturday afternoon’s championship.
Todd had trouble finding the gaps in the Monroe defense early, and when they did, Monroe’s defenders would clear any loose balls.
Jenny Flores got Todd County Central on the board in the 22nd minute when she found the net unassisted. The goal by the Lady Rebel senior lit the fuse for the offensive powder keg that followed.
Madison Henderson was the beneficiary of a penalty kick one minute later when a Monroe County defender was called for a handball in the box. Henderson banged home her fourth goal of the season for a quick 2-0 lead.
Three minutes later, Flores would add her second goal of the contest on an uncontested shot out front.
Lourdes Anastacio scored her first goal of the season in the 29th minute when Ciara Collins’ shot hit the crossbar and bounced to the Lady Rebel sophomore. Anastacio finished for the goal and a 4-0 lead that would carry into halftime.
Todd County’s first goal of the second half came off the toe of Itzel Salazar, whose free kick from 40 yards found the net for a 5-0 lead.
The Lady Rebels scored twice in the final 10 minutes. Henderson’s second goal of the game came off a feed from Collins. Anna Anastacio closed out the scoring with a goal from Salazar with two minutes left.
Todd County outshot Monroe County [3-2] 22-2 with Lady Rebel goalie Sam Case saving two shots — both in the first half. The Lady Rebels [2-1] will play Glasgow [3-1] in Saturday evening’s championship match. Glasgow beat Russellville 7-0 in the other semifinal.
