11TH REGION GIRLS SOCCER: Great Crossing knocks out Model, 2-0

The Lady Patriots were making their first appearance in the 11th Region Tournament in 11 years.

And just 32 seconds into the game, they found themselves facing a 1-0 deficit.

"They caught us," Model coach Mike Austin said. "They counter-attacked quickly."

Great Crossing's Madisyn Dodge scored off a cross from Elisabeth Keenan in the opening minute of the first-round match-up on Saturday morning at Eastern Kentucky University.

The Lady Warhawks (9-1-1) added a penalty kick goal just before the half and went on to pick up a 2-0 win over Model. Great Crossing advances to the 11th Region Tournament semifinals to face Lexington Catholic.

Model had a couple of good scoring chances in the second half, but wasn't able to get a shot past Great Crossing keeper Shelby Smith.

"It would have been easy to pack it in, but they didn't," Austin said. "They responded to the challenge and fought. I am very proud of them."

Meren Patton beat Model keeper McKenna Tuttle on a PK with 7:20 left in the first half. 

After that, Model was able to regroup and build a little momentum.

" It was bend, don't break," Austin said. "We made some adjustments and we threw every attacker on that we could to see if we could get chances."

Anniston Bray had a good chance off a corner kick early in the second half, but the offensive opportunities increased when Tuttle substituted out and re-entered as a forward.

The senior had three shots in the final 13 minutes, all of which Smith was able to handle.

"The thought was, well, we can keep it like this at 2-0, but why not roll the dice and see if we can get a goal," Austin said.

The Lady Patriots and Lady Warhawks met on Sept. 8 in Georgetown. Great Crossing picked up a 3-0 win.

Model lost its first three games of the season before winning seven of their next eight.

The Lady Patriots beat Madison Southern in a shootout on Thursday to capture the program's first district title since 2009.

"It was a great season. Winning the district as a Class A school is a big accomplishment," Austin said.