Sally Willmore hoped the Lady Pioneers would get another shot at Prescott South when it mattered most.
They got it Friday night. And this time, Warren County didn't miss.
The WCMS Lady Pioneers captured the District 7-AA championship in DeKalb County, shutting out Prescott South 2-0 to avenge one of their three regular-season losses and bring home the district title. Emma Kate Lippe and Abigail Laxson supplied the goals for Warren County, while the Lady Pioneer defense did its part by keeping Prescott off the scoreboard.
“(I’m) Extremely proud of their effort and the way they played. They all helped us out the whole game. We are so proud of the girls,” said Willmore.
Friday was the rematch WCMS had been waiting for since Sept. 9.
Warren County walked away from its regular-season trip to Prescott with a 1-0 loss, but Willmore believed the result didn't reflect how well her team had played. The Lady Pioneers created plenty of chances that night and battled until the final seconds, but couldn't put one in the back of the net.
Afterward, Willmore was already thinking about another opportunity.
"I told the girls hopefully we will see them again when it really matters in the championship and be able to stick out a win," Willmore said following the loss.
Just over two weeks later, that's exactly what happened.
Prescott earned its way into Friday's championship with a 3-0 semifinal victory, while Warren County punched its ticket by beating Algood 3-1 Tuesday night. LB Guthrie scored twice and assisted on Amelia Partin's goal in the semifinal, including a gorgeous long-range strike in the final minute that sealed the victory.
Willmore knew after the Algood win that her team would need another complete performance to beat Prescott.
"It's going to take another game like tonight," said Willmore.
The Lady Pioneers delivered. Lippe and Laxson found the back of the net and Warren County did something it couldn't accomplish in the first meeting - play from in front and finish its opportunities.
When the final whistle sounded, the Lady Pioneers had their revenge and, more importantly, a District 7-AA championship.
The celebration also included individual recognition. June Cossitt, Finn MacDonald and Guthrie were named to the all-district team following the championship.
Friday won't be the end of Warren County's postseason run either.
By reaching the district championship, WCMS had already secured its place in next week's region tournament. Now the Lady Pioneers will enter the next stage of the postseason as District 7-AA champions.
Warren County will play Gladeville at home on Monday at 6 p.m. in the region tournament.
All-district honorees, from left, June Cossitt, Finn MacDonald and LB Guthrie.
