Lady Tigers share first conference title

Republic captured its first-ever conference championship in girls soccer with an 8-0 victory at Springfield Parkview on May 12, clinching a share of the Central Ozark Conference West title.

The Lady Tigers led just 1-0 at halftime on a goal by Andie Wistrom, assisted by Paige Elsenraat. The second half brought a seven-goal explosion that secured both the victory and the co-championship.

Macey Mitchell scored two goals 37 seconds apart early in the second half, with assists from Maddie Randall and Ava Woolley. Wistrom added her second goal four minutes later off an assist from Mitchell to make it 4-0.

Republic then scored three goals in a span of 1:09. Wistrom assisted Elsenraat on back-to-back goals 23 seconds apart, then Jaclyn Wade scored unassisted to make it 7-0. Wade added the final goal with Mitchell recording her second assist.

Republic finished tied atop the COC West with Webb City and Willard, all three teams posting one divisional loss. The Lady Tigers claimed the best goal differential among the co-champions at 28-5 in divisional play, compared to Webb City's 25-7 and Willard's 16-4.

The championship marks the first conference title in program history for Republic girls soccer. The Lady Tigers completed the regular season 15-9 with 10 shutouts.