When Fort Campbell beat Hopkinsville on September 12 to snap a 16-year losing streak, Hoptown’s leading scorer Avery O’Hara didn’t play due to sickness. The senior made her presence known Tuesday as she scored the tying goal and then assisted on the game-winner as Hoptown beat Fort Campbell 3-2 in the Eighth District semifinals.
O’Hara’s goal with just under 12 minutes remaining tied the game. She then fed Keeli Miles with a nice left-footed pass four minutes later, and Miles finished it off for what proved to be the game-winner.
Fort Campbell took a 1-0 lead just before halftime on a goal out front by Maddyson Ruggles. Jordan Hardy made it a 2-0 game seven minutes into the second half when she banged home a shot from 25-feet out.
Just when it looked like Hopkinsville was on the verge of missing their first district championship game in 11 years, Nora Snyder scored on a free kick in front of the net with 27 minutes left. That seemed to jumpstart the Lady Tigers who later tacked on two goals to decide the match.
Fort Campbell got a few good looks at the net in the final few minutes. Ruggles made a nice crossover move in the corner and was headed toward the net for a shot when the final whistle blew and snuffed out Fort Campbell’s comeback attempt.
Fort Campbell, who was trying to advance to the district title game for the first time in three years, sees their season end with a record of 6-12.
Hopkinsville improved to 6-10-1 and will play UHA in the district championship game Wednesday at 7:30 at the Stadium of Champions.