Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

The St. Joseph Lady Flyers got a second chance and took advantage of it.
After losing 8-3 earlier at Fairland, the Lady Flyers returned home and redeemed themselves with a thrilling 4-3 win over the Lady Dragons on Thursday in a soccer game.
“The girls are improving each game and without the play of our defense tonight we would have been in trouble,” said Lady Flyers’ coach Dan Blair.
“Emilee Blankenship and Faith Mahlmeister and first-year goalkeeper Kelsey Malone did a great job.”
Malone racked up 13 saves against the Lady Dragons who had 16 shots on goal.
St. Joseph (4-2) took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Emma Whaley and then the defenses took over the rest of the half.
The second half became a shootout as the Lady Flyers went ahead 3-0 on a goal by Whaley and a direct kick by Laiken Unger.
But the Lady Dragons didn’t quit as they picked up the pace and scored three goals to tie the game.
Maddie Miller scored two goals and Mackenzie Kazee added another to tie the game over the next 20 minutes.
But with 22 seconds left, it was Whaley turning the hat trick with her third goal that she launched past a defense and the goalkeeper with just 22 seconds to play to give St. Joseph the win.
St. Joseph hosts Greenup County on Tuesday.
Fairland visits Ohio Valley Christian on Monday and hosts Chesapeake on Tuesday in an OVC game.