SHINNSTON, W.Va. — Lincoln made it clear it was the superior side from the outset of Tuesday night’s Class AA Region II final against Berkeley Springs at Stydahar Field.
The Cougars scored early and often, including a hat trick from Eryn Ashcroft to pave the way in a 9-0 win over the Indians. With the result, Lincoln (14-3-1) advances to the state tournament for the first time in program history.
“It started at the end of last season with a [2-0] loss to Elkins in the regional championship. We returned everybody but two players, and the group collectively said we’re going to make a run at it, we’re going to put the work in during the offseason and it’s paying off now,” Cougars’ head coach Ryan Gump said.
Lincoln controlled possession, passed with efficiency and struck first 1:50 into the match on a goal from Abigail Glass.
Before the contest was 10 minutes old, the Cougars doubled their lead courtesy of Ashcraft’s first goal.
Ashcraft made it 3-0 with her second goal with 21:40 remaining in the first half, and the Cougars settled for a 3-0 halftime lead that could’ve been more were it not for the efforts of Berkeley Springs (13-6) goalkeeper Delliah Rhoten, who made 13 saves through the first 40 minutes.
“We did a good job, especially early in the game of stepping on it and changing the complexion of the game,” Gump said. “We got that first goal and kind of set the tone early, which was good, and it just continued from there.”
But there was only so long Rhoten could keep her team somewhat within striking distance, and the Cougars began the second half much like the first, getting an Ava McGill goal for a 4-0 advantage with 36:20 remaining.
Gabrielle Milnes followed with consecutive goals, the latter of which left LHS in front 6-0 with 25:20 to play.
Bristol Toth scored her team’s seventh goal, Lilly Toth made it 8-0 with a goal of her own and Ashcroft found the back of the net once more with just inside 15 minutes left to put a cap on the scoring.
“I love the way that we stay hungry to score goals and still say selfless and let whoever put it in,” Gump said. “Everybody wants to put it in the back of the net, but at the end of the day, we’re not afraid to lay it off to the next one and let somebody else score as well.”