Lady Broncs advance in Regionals with 3-0 win over Star Valley

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — For the third time this season the Lady Broncs dispatched the Star Valley Lady Braves, this time to advance in Regional play to Day 2. Jackson’s 3-0 win over Star Valley means the Broncs will face Natrona Friday morning at 9am.

Jackson 3, Star Valley 0

Star Valley has won just once in 15 tries this season. But give these girls credit. They always show up and make the opposition earn every goal. They are so difficult to play against.

Jackson controlled the 1st half in scoring chances and time of possession, using the favorable wind pinning the Braves in their own end for most of the first 40 minutes. Play took place almost entirely in the Jackson offensive 1/3.

A tough-as-nails goalkeeper Mikayla Christiansen once again fought through obvious injury to keep Star Valley in it, making numerous saves off second and third chances in the box from Jackson strikers.

Jackson’s keeper Sydney Nash had to be sharp as well, stoning Kenlee Englehardt on a breakaway just 10 minutes in. Star Valley has not scored on Jackson in three tries now after the

The Jackson back row did a great job keeping Nash clean and moving the ball upfield with quick decisions and smart field switching passing. Fullbacks Jordan Davis, Brooklyn Hills, Natalie Joralemon, and Madison Kramer repelled every Star Valley push.

As she has done all season, Taya McClennen got the Broncs on the scoresheet first when she walked in right down the middle, virtually unchallenged inside the box and blistered one by Christensen inside the far post with 12:31 to play in the 1st.

Melissa Morillon Jimenez put Jackson up 2-0 to end the half off a pretty pass from Phoebe Alva Rosa.

With the wind in their face for the remaining 40 minutes, Jackson just held on as Star Valley gave it all they had.

Albany McCooey added a bit of insurance with under a minute to play in the game to make it 3-0. She scored off an empty net rebound with Christensen out of position having to make a brilliant save off the onrushing Piper Lee.

Next up

With the win, Jackson improves to 10-3-2 on the season and advance to Round 2 of Regionals where they will face Natrona County at 9am Friday at William T. McIntosh Field. Natrona (11-2-2) beat Evanston Thursday afternoon 2-0 to punch their date with Jackson.

The Lady Broncs have not beat the Fillies in two tries this regular season but both games were close. A 2-0 loss on April 8 was followed by a 2-1 overtime loss on April 30.