Region 1-2A: Maclay blanks Rocky Bayou

NICEVILLE — As the whistle blew there was not exuberant jumping or hollering or anything like that.

Those emotions were saved for the customary cool down jog across the field — and into the arms of their awaiting parents.

Maclay (19-1-3) will return to the final four for the first time in 11 years following a 5-0 victory over Rocky Bayou Christian (7-8-1) in the 2A regional finals.

The Marauders allowed just two shots on the contest largely due to the ball winning in central midfield and a defense that closed down any opportunities midfielders Amanda Hunter and Catherine Sandon did not.

"We were in-tune with each other," said sweeper Lindsey Sanders, one of 10 seniors on the team. "When one person shifts to the outside we move together. I think it's because we're so close, even with the eighth-graders."

Sanders and fellow senior Maddie Loeb are the central defenders, while the two "eighth-grade Olivias" — as coach Paul Dickson calls Olivia Ooten and Olivia Hunter — are the outside defenders who have combined to allow one goal during the playoff run.

Caroline Brockmeier opened the scoring early in the first half for Maclay.

From there, the attack just kept coming with freshman Kristen Fontela scoring twice, Reanna Leoni scoring her 35th goal of the year and Sandon adding Maclay's fifth goal.

Fontela has seen more playing time at forward during the playoff run because she can use her speed to get behind defenders.

"I think it helped me raise my confidence," Fontela said. "I had an awesome time playing with these girls and it was a lot of fun. It's amazing to be able to contribute."

Maclay defeated the Knights 3-1 earlier in the season, but Rocky Bayou coach Brian Alldredge said his opponent played better Friday night, specifically highlighting his opponents' movement off the ball and the impenetrable defense.

"This was our first time going this far," said Rocky Bayou midfielder Brittany Tiller. "It was a big eye-opener with a different skill level of a team."

Dickson said his team needed to improve their play in the middle of the field to deal with a Rocky Bayou team that plays very direct soccer. Once that occurred Maclay was able to dominate possession and use its passing to wide positions to open up the Rocky Bayou defense for a quintet of goals.

"Absolutely unbelievable," Dickson said. "This senior class has been one of the most distinguished classes in our history. A lot of them have been working on this since they were in eighth grade. For them to make it as seniors is unbelievable.