Bratcher’s hat trick leads Lady Pioneers to big win

Noelle Bratcher netted three goals as Warren County got past the Falcons Thursday night.

Noelle Bratcher picked a perfect night for her biggest offensive performance of the young season.

Bratcher recorded a hat trick Thursday night as Warren County went on the road and knocked off Lincoln County 3-1, giving the Lady Pioneers a victory in their District 7-AAA opener and continuing an impressive response since their lone loss of the season.

Warren County improved to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in district play with its second victory in three days. After returning home from a 4-1 loss at Riverdale last week, the Lady Pioneers have answered by outscoring Smyrna and Lincoln County 7-1.

"We left Lincoln County with a district victory, which was our goal going into the match," said coach Todd Willmore. "Overall, this was a great team win. There were so many hustle plays and individual efforts throughout the match that were very impactful but never show up on the stat sheet."

Bratcher made sure her impact showed up plenty on the stat sheet.

The junior put Warren County ahead approximately nine minutes into the match, taking an assist from Addi Steakley and firing a shot past the Lincoln County keeper for a 1-0 advantage.

The lead didn't last through the half. Lincoln County eventually capitalized on a Warren County defensive miscue on a corner, finding an unmarked player who headed the ball into the net to even the match.

It proved to be one of the few breakdowns from a defensive unit that has quickly established itself as one of Warren County's strengths.

Senior Maci McBride returned to the lineup after missing time and joined Addisyn Watson, Summer Wanamaker and Kacey Mitchell along the back. Ashlyn Bailey continued working in front of the group while freshman Kinsley Simpson handled the work in goal.

"Other than that defensive letdown, our defensive unit played very well and did a great job of stopping Lincoln County's transition game throughout the night," said Willmore.

With the defense holding firm, Bratcher went back to work.

Emory MacDonald created a dangerous chance late in the first half and blasted a shot off the crossbar. Bratcher was waiting when the ball came back into play, collecting the rebound and firing it into the net to put Warren County back ahead 2-1 with less than 10 minutes remaining before halftime.

It was another example of Bratcher being in the middle of seemingly everything offensively for Warren County.

The Lady Pioneers came into the season needing to replace Chloe Wanamaker, their leading scorer from last year who will miss the year after undergoing two knee procedures following an injury during flag football season in the spring. Instead of relying on one answer, Warren County has received production from throughout its lineup.

Bratcher is quickly becoming the headliner.

After scoring once and adding an assist in Tuesday's 4-0 victory over Smyrna, Bratcher took over Thursday. Her third goal against Lincoln County may have been her best.

With Warren County controlling the second half, Bratcher won a 50-50 ball, turned toward goal and sent a shot into the back-side netting just beyond the keeper's outstretched arms. The goal completed the hat trick, gave the Lady Pioneers an extra cushion and effectively put the Falcons away.

"(Noelle) could have possibly added a couple more," said Willmore. "It was a great offensive performance and a tremendous night for her."

Bratcher now leads Warren County with four goals through four regular-season matches. Steakley has three goals and two assists, while MacDonald has two goals and three assists after returning to soccer following several years focused on dance.

Warren County's attack has produced 11 goals through four matches, but Willmore still sees room for growth. The Lady Pioneers created numerous opportunities after halftime Thursday and controlled possession, but weren't always able to turn those chances into goals.

"We still need to continue working on converting those scoring opportunities, and that will be a priority moving forward," said Willmore.

There wasn't much else for the coach to dislike about the second half.

Warren County increased its intensity, controlled possession and kept Lincoln County from generating much in transition. Once Bratcher provided the two-goal cushion, the Lady Pioneers managed the remainder of the match and closed out their first district victory.

"I was very pleased with the overall team effort, especially the way we responded and played with much more intensity in the second half," said Willmore.

The Lady Pioneers will get another chance to make an early statement in the district Tuesday when they travel to Franklin County for a 7 p.m. matchup. Warren County returns home next Thursday to face Tullahoma at 6:30 p.m.