[11/24/02]Despite playing without two of its top players, Vicksburg High nearly pulled out a win against Brandon Saturday in a meeting of the top two girls’ soccer teams in Mississippi.

VHS’ Beverly Simmons scored off a corner kick from Tayvi Ellis about 10 minutes into the second half to tie the game at 1-1, but No. 2 Brandon scored with less than five minutes to play to claim a 2-1 victory at the Northwest Rankin tournament.

No. 1 VHS (5-1-1) was without leading goal-scorer Brandi Parker, who was in Florida for an Olympic Development Program camp, and Brandi Head, who was playing in a select tournament in North Carolina.

“I thought we played very well, considering we were playing without two starters. Nothing’s hurt,” VHS coach Kevin Manton said. “We got what we wanted out of (the tournament). We won two ballgames and got to play three, and the girls got some good experience against good competition … I think we’ll give (Brandon) a good run for their money later in the season when we have everybody.”

The Missy Gators will return to action Monday at 5:30 p.m. against Jim Hill at Newell Field in Jackson.

(G) WC 1, Pearl 0

Hayley Martin scored a goal in the first half and a stingy Warren Central defense made it stand up as the Lady Vikes beat Pearl at the Northwest Rankin tournament.

Aleshia Lawrence assisted on the goal, and Megan Carlisle and Emily Coker combined on the shutout in goal for WC (3-2). The Lady Vikes outshot Pearl 14-7.

“I thought we played well. Luckily, we got that goal in the first half,” WC coach Holly Lane said. “We had some nice shots. Their goalie made some nice saves.”

Warren Central will play at Madison Central Monday at 5:30 p.m.