Patriots, Rams duel on the soccer pitch

Marion girls tie, boys win against Paragould

Marion School District PARAGOULD —- The Marion soccer teams performed well last night in their second conference matches at Paragould’s Ram Stadium.

The Lady Patriots (2-2-1 overall, 1-0-1 5A East) settled for a 2-2 tie with Paragould (2-3-2, 1-0-1).

The Marion boys improved to 2-1 and 2-0 with a 2-0 victory over the Rams in the nightcap.

Marion’s girls took an early 2-0 lead behind goals from senior Emma Whited (28:42), and junior Alivia Hampton (16:28). But Paragould responded with the next two goals to tie the match early in the second half.

All-state Marion goalkeeper Kora Wilson stopped a Paragould penalty kick with less than 22 minutes in regulation to salvage the tie.

A stifling Marion defense and senior all-state performer Dylan Pieri proved to be too much for Paragould in the boys game.

Pieri scored two goals at Paragould, and the Marion defense allowed just three shots on net, all of which were handled by keeper Garren Truitt.

Pieri’s first goal came at the 38:45 mark of the first half, before finding the back of the net with 1:34 remaining before halftime to provide the final tally.

Marion will return to action following Spring Break.

Photo by Londa Hamrick