Box Score CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Although Campbellsville did not have a great night on offense, Jessica Ralph finally got the monkey off her back and scored her 39th and 40th goals to break the CU Lady Tigers career goal record previously set by 2011 grad, Megan Campbell.
"I am so proud of Jessica," said coach Thom Jones. "I whispered in her ear right when we came out of the locker room, and said 'break it'."
And Ralph did just that. In the ninth minute, Ralph received a pass from Chelsea Gill and knew exactly what to do. She turned quickly and sent the ball past the Asbury goalkeeper, Lizzie Hoffa.
After the first goal of the match, Campbellsville had many opportunities but could not capitalize.
"I am disappointed because we had 14 shots and only two on goal," Jones said. "We were not aggressive enough with our shots."
Although Campbellsville did not play up to par for Jones' liking, they still went into the half leading 1-0.
The Lady Tigers came out for the second period and started fast. Ralph was not satisfied with breaking the record by one, she wanted to add on to her record and put some distance between her and Campbell.
Ralph dribbled the ball down the field and it looked like the defense could not come close. She netted her second goal of the night and her 40th of her career in the 48th minute of the match.
"This means absolutely the world to me," Ralph said as she was trying to hold back tears. "I would not have had this chance if it wasn't for the great team I get to play with everyday."
After Ralph scored her second goal, Campbellsville had many more chances to extend its 2-0 lead. Shots by Ralph, Gill, Toria Alsip, and Abriana McKinney all missed the target and the Lady Tigers could not seem to get the ball back into the net.
Although CU could not get many shots to hit their target that sure didn't dampen the night for Ralph and her cheering section.
"I am so proud of Jessica," said her mother and father, Carol and David. "Her work ethic is what has gotten her this far and it's a great feeling for a parent to watch."
Ralphs' parents have not missed a game since her junior season. That is home and away games and they plan on traveling until the Lady Tigers are finished in 2013.
Next week Campbellsville takes on No. 1 Lindsey Wilson College on Wednesday, Sept. 18. And the Ralph family will for sure be in the stands watching their daughter lead the Lady Tigers.
"I love the new formation Coach Jones has added this year," said David Ralph. "We are playing a faster pace of play and it is getting everyone involved in the offense. Even the defensive players are running the field and making an impact. It is so fun to watch."
And fun to watch it is. Campbellsville has been very aggressive and that will have to carry over to the game with Lindsey Wilson.
"We have to play smart and aggressive, " said Jones. "If we come out and put pressure on them from the get-go and play our game, we will be there at the end."
The game is set for a 7 p.m. start at Citizens Bank Field and Finely Stadium.
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