Head’s header gives Missy Gator 100th goal|[01/09/07]
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Holly Head got frustrated Tuesday night.
Her shots that normally find the back of the net were missing slightly left or right. One hit the crossbar, another bounded off the goal post and Greenville’s goalie made a couple snags.
Needing two goals to reach triple digits in her standout Vicksburg High soccer career, Head at times thought the feat wouldn’t happen on this night against one of the worst Class 5A teams in the state.
“I was getting worried in the first half,” said the vivacious six-year starter after an 8-0 win over Greenville.
In the opening minutes of the second half, Head scored a goal on an assist from Crystal Davidson to give her No. 99 and the Missy Gators a comfortable 4-0 lead.
Thirteen minutes later, with the score 5-0, Daria Lawrence launched a throw in that Head, coincidentally, headed into the goal for her 100th. She became the third Missy Gator in history to reach the century mark in goals. Kristin Chapman and Brandi Parker are the other two.
“I have put in a lot of headers, but I was still nervous,” Head said. “I think I am better with my head than my feet.”
A few handshakes and cheers followed, but no elaborate celebrations. Head, who committed to play soccer next season at Delta State, soon came out of the game with the score out of reach.
“She has played well for us all six years,” Vicksburg coach Kevin Manton said. “She’s a highly skilled, great competitor. We go as she goes.”
Vicksburg struggled to a 2-0 lead at the end of the first half, despite outshooting Greenville 15-0. For the game, the Missy Gators held a 30-0 shots-on-goal advantage.
Lucy Matthews added two goals, while Diari Gilliam, Daria Lawrence, Crystal Davidson and Jill Rush each scored a goal.
Lawrence contributed three assists, while Davidson had two assists and Matthews and Gilliam each had one.
The Missy Gators are scheduled to play two straight non-division games before a showdown with Madison Central on Tuesday.