Jada Cooper Boots Baylor Past CCS
Lady Red Raiders Edge Lady Chargers, 2-1, For DII-AA East Region Soccer Win
"Cue the birthday song." That is what the Lady Red Raiders of Baylor said following their 2-1 DII-AA East Region victory over the Chattanooga Christian Lady Chargers.
Today was Baylor star striker Jada Cooper's birthday, and her athletic ability blossomed at the right time for the Lady Red Raiders. Her speed with the ball and sudden bursts of acceleration scorched the back line of the Chargers.
Following a scoreless first half, Cooper weaved through the defense to open the second half. Entering the final quarter of defense, Cooper used her quickness to surpass the tugging defenders and juke around the goalkeeper. Falling from contact, Cooper would sweep her leg through the ball to tap the ball into the net for the first goal of the night 10 minutes into the second half.
One goal would not be enough for the junior striker. Approximately 10 minutes later, Cooper would have the ball in the open field and approach the CCS defense. Taking a stutter step, Cooper would then chip the ball past a Charger to place herself in a one-on-one attempt against the goalkeeper.
For Cooper, that would be light work, as the striker would blister the ball and net her second goal of the night. Behing the effort of Cooper and stellar defensive play, Baylor had a 2-0 lead midway through the second half. For CCS, their undefeated (10-0-2 heading into the game) season hung in the balance.
The Chargers would not lay down lightly, though, and would find a spark of energy as the game wound down. CCS striker Lauren Alexander, who had multiple shots throughout the night, battled with a Baylor defender, leaning towards the left side, and unleashed a shot from 15 yards out. Baylor's keeper was able to get their mitts on the ball, but the velocity of the shot was too much and would rattle into the goal.
The goal brought the deficit down to one for the Lady Chargers with five minutes remaining. CCS would put immense pressure on the Lady Red Raider back line, but the defense would not fold. Following a corner attempt that went astray, Baylor would be able to lob passes and dribble out the remainder of the clock.
"It was a very special moment to come out here on my birthday, play with my team, and come out with a win," said Jada Cooper following the momentous 2-1 district victory.
For Baylor head coach Curtis Blair, the victory is sweet, but the Lady Red Raiders will move on quickly.
"This is a tough place to come into and play, but our bench did a great job of giving us energy. Our girls came in here expecting to win and they did that," said Blair. "It is short-lived because we will turn around and travel to play Gallatin tomorrow."
So, business goes on as usual for the Lady Red Raiders. Baylor has outscored their opponents 10-2 in the previous four games, and they look to carry that momentum against their non-district game against Gallatin (4-4) on Sept. 16.
The Lady Chargers look to bounce back from their first defeat against talented Stewarts Creek team (9-2) on Saturday, Sept. 17. 17 before continuing district play against GPS on Sept. 20.
Game Summary
BAYLOR 0 2 — 2
CCS 0 1 — 1
Goal Scorers: Baylor (2) Jada Cooper, CCS (1) Lauren Alexander.
Jada Cooper Boots Baylor Past CCS - Chattanoogan.com
