Two hat tricks spur Fredericktown shutout
DE SOTO, Mo. – Fredericktown sophomore Mallory Mathes brought the season-opening girls soccer game against De Soto to an early conclusion with 4:31 to spare after receiving a lengthy cross from Abby Parson and finishing the attack to seal a 10-0 triumph on Friday.
Parson managed the midfield with exceptional ball control, and was the second Lady Blackcat to record a hat trick in the shutout victory behind freshman Arika Buxton.
Buxton contributed each of her three goals to help obtain a 7-0 lead at halftime. She earned several open opportunities at the net by outpacing her defender on the outside edge to create space.
Parson opened scoring after dribbling through three Lady Dragons to find daylight, and the first shot attempt of the evening traveled to the left of starting De Soto goalkeeper Abby Pope less than four minutes into the contest. Pope recorded 16 saves as Fredericktown attempted 33 shots.
Buxton added to the lead three minutes later by chipping a shot off the shoe of her defender, which put a unique side-spin on the ball and allowed it to carry into the net. She then assisted Parson within the next 45 seconds on a cross directly in front of the goal to claim a 3-0 advantage.
Alayna Buxton assisted Arika Buxton for a 5-0 edge on a shot from about 21-yards out with 19 minutes on the clock. Arika Buxton rounded out first-half scoring after receiving a precise over-the-top through pass from Mathes, and completed her hat trick with five minutes to play.
Parson fulfilled her third goal by spotting up from about 25-yards away to gain an 8-0 lead with 23:20 remaining in the game.
Kayleigh Slinkard was the next to score on a cross in close from Lexie Pogue with nine minutes to play.
Mathes and Alayna Buxton each produced a goal in the final 20 minutes of the first half with each attempt coming from about 25-yards out. Players struggled to execute long passes toward the goal following the break due to an increasing downpour that caused slippery conditions.
De Soto was limited to just one shot attempt against a relentless resistance from the Fredericktown midfielders and backs. Marissa Hale touched the ball just three times while protecting a lonely goal for the Lady Blackcats.
Fredericktown earned eight of its nine chances from the corner during the second half, but failed to convert on any.
The Lady Blackcats will host conference rival North County in their home opener on Monday.
Fredericktown freshman Arika Buxton (4) crosses the ball toward the goal during the first half against De Soto on Friday.
Fredericktown junior Abby Parson (11) dribbles past stumbling De Soto defender Desiree Palazzolo late in the first half on Friday.
Fredericktown sophomore Mallory Mathes lines up a shot against De Soto during first half action on Friday.
