Pearl River draws even against rival Gulf Coast

POPLARVILLE — The Pearl River Lady Wildcats soccer team held strong Tuesday night against visiting archival Mississippi Gulf Coast. The two teams were deadlocked through regulation, and while they played 20 minutes of overtime the match finished in a 0-0 draw.

While PRCC (5-6-1) (2-2-1) dominated time of possession throughout the game and got separation on the offensive side of the ball, Gulf Coast ( 4-5-1) (3-1-1) recovered with some great defensive plays by their back line.

Freshman Amber Smith (Poplarville) had a solid game along the back line off the bench to bail out the Lady Wildcats a couple times.

“I thought Amber really stepped in tonight. It was hard to get her off the field tonight,” PRCC Jack Byrd said. “She is athletic and I thought she stayed a lot more calm tonight so I kept her on the field.”

Pearl River forward Rena Gordon tries to go around a Gulf Coast defender during Tuesday night's rivalry matchup in Poplarville. (BRETT RUSS/PRCC ATHLETICS)

Newly crowned MACJC Player of the Week Rena Gordon (Clarendon, Jamaica) had another strong performance in the attack. Largely aided by her teamates, Gordon broke in on goal a couple times but was denied by MGCCC goalkeeper Haley Lott — plus one late opportunity from the touchline that glanced off the left post.

Candyce Martin (Gautier) was great, making 12 saves on the night.

Up next for the Lady Wildcats will be a trip to Summit this Saturday as they take on the Southwest Lady Bears. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.