Story Written by Charles Pulliam - Multimedia Reporter
Coming off a weekend that included a 2-2 draw against Houston — the same team Ravenwood beat in the state semifinals last year — the Lady Raptors fended off a focused Independence team 2-0 on Tuesday in the first matchup since the two teams split from the same district. They battled to a 1-1 tie last season, and that score seemed imminent again before a Lady Eagle own goal in the 78th dashed the hopes of another draw by the visitors.
Sarah Kate Rath's corner to Gracie Hill provided the first goal early for the home team, and it stayed 1-0 for more than 70 minutes.
"I feel like (Independence) applied some high pressure on us, and that's something we aren't used to," Ravenwood senior Ally Brown said. "That's good for us, because we know we are going to be up against some tough competition in our district."
With the new reclassification set through 2023, the Lady Raptors sit in District 11-AAA with Brentwood, Centennial and Franklin, who Ravenwood beat in penalty kicks for the 2020 championship. Indy is part of District 12-AAA with Summit, Nolensville and Columbia Central.
Ravenwood coach Jessica Mancini said her team was tested Tuesday, especially since the Lady Eagles controlled the midfield.
"Their midfield won tonight," the second-year head coach said. "They looked really good, and we were fortunate.
"We have to work out some of those kinks and hopefully move forward and figure out how to move through the midfield better."
Ravenwood returns a handful of contributors from last season but also is plugging in plenty of fresh faces. The Lady Raptors are starting four sophomores and a pair of freshmen.
"A lot of these girls look up to us," Hiatt said. "We are trying to keep that strong team bond going. We try to have a lot of fun together, and when it's time to play, we get serious and play."
Ravenwood's Ali Fletcher had back-to-back looks denied early in the second half — both saves by Independence keeper Matty Taylor, a Franklin transfer. The Lady Eagles' Gracie Carden countered with a one-hop shot gobbled up by Ravenwood's Lexi Grundler.
Independence managed to keep possession for much of the next 18 minutes before Kailee Bethmann found some daylight on a breakaway. Grundler batted away a shot, and Indy came up empty on a pair of corners.
