Rao scores twice as North shuts out Henderson

Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter   

nbrockman@the-messenger.com This season's version of the Henderson County girls soccer team may not be as successful as in years past, but Madisonville-North Hopkins felt no remorse taking it to their rival squad on Thursday evening.

Both teams have battled for years as 5th District rivals. The Lady Maroons (3-3) took this season's first matchup 4-0 over the Lady Colonels (0-5-1) at Donley Field.

Senior Laura Rao scored twice as North picked up its first district win in the team's first attempt.

"It felt good - that's our rival," coach John Tichenor said. "It's a district opponent, so it's a good start and puts us in the lead as far as seeding goes."

Tichenor's daughter, freshman Ellen Tichenor, provided the assist on a second-half goal by fellow freshman Penny Plumier with 28:38 left in the contest. The goal gave the Lady Maroons a comfortable 2-0 lead.

"I think the second goal was pretty much the dagger in them, and the third and four came just because I think the Henderson girls let down a little bit," John Tichenor said.

Rao snagged her second goal of the game just three minutes later when she dialed up from long distance. Rao struck from nearly 25 yards out with force to give the Lady Maroons a 3-0 advantage.

Although Henderson has not recorded a win this season, Rao said the team knew the Lady Colonels would step up and play tough.

"Hendo is Hendo," she said. "Every year, they're going to bring it to us. It doesn't matter who they've lost to or who they've tied."

John Tichenor said he has been pleased with Alex Whittington's play up front, and the freshman delivered the game's final goal with 19:26 left to play

North led just 1-0 at halftime. Rao provided the lead on a penalty kick with 22:04 remaining in the first half after taking a clip in the box. Rao's kick flew under the outstretched goalie's right side to the back of the net.

Initially, Rao shot as the referee blew the whistle after placing the ball. Rao's shot was good, but premature as the ref waived the goal off and the forward had to shoot again.

"I didn't know if I should change my side or not, if the keeper would guess it, but it worked out," she said. "You just have to pick a side and pass it in."

In junior varsity action, North defeated Henderson 4-0 as well. Halle Cunningham recorded two goals while Conner Adkins and Morgan Duvall each notched one.

The Lady Maroons return to action 11 a.m. Saturday to play Trigg County at the Henderson County Invitational.

1st half

MNH, 22:04 Laura Rao penalty kick - MNH 1-0

2nd half

MNH, 28:28 - Penny Plumier, assist Ellen Tichenor MNH 2-0

MNH, 25:33 Rao - MNH 3-0

MNH, 19:26 Alex Whittington, assist Ellen Whittington - MNH 4-0