Woodmore's Beaudoin gives defense lead to protect in sectional victory over Genoa

Josh Morgret

News-Messenger correspondent

Woodmore's Phoebe Jackson made 19 saves in a 2-1 victory over Genoa.

GENOA - Sophomore Autumn Beaudoin credited Woodmore's defense and goalkeeper Phoebe Jackson for Saturday's 2-1 victory over Genoa for a sectional crown in Division III.

"Our defense and goalie really stood out to me," Beaudoin said. "Phoebe worked really, really hard. It was impressive."

Beaudoin scored two goals in the first half and Jackson protected the lead.

"We moved some girls around and they were able to adapt," Woodmore coach Ashley Timmons said. "They played through the circumstances with the wind. Overall, I am proud and they played with some heart."

Fourth-seed Woodmore (10-6-1) plays second-seed Huron (15-0-1) at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Genoa in the district semifinals.

"I was honestly pretty worried when we decided to play Genoa in the tournament," Timmons said. "I told our girls that if they played like we have been working up to all season, that they would be fine. Genoa is a tough opponent."

Genoa goalkeeper Ryan Lay kept her team in a 2-1 setback to Woodmore with a shutout second half.

Woodmore fell 3-1 to the Comets early last month and topped Genoa 4-2 in the regular season.

Beaudoin scored her first goal from a difficult location Saturday, scooting the ball just past Genoa goalie Ryan Lay in the 14th minute.

"For me, it was a very hard angle to see," Timmons said. "That is kind of what Autumn is known for — getting it in when we can't tell. She usually finds some really great angles and she's got a great hit."

The Comets (10-6-1) had numerous chances against Jackson. Rylee Frederickson' shot off a crossing pass was saved by a diving Jackson.

Lay stopped the Wildcats' Claire Rothert twice, including a one-handed save to thwart a breakaway. Beaudoin scored her second goal on a penalty kick with less than two minutes before halftime.

"I was really nervous on the penalty kick," Beaudoin said. "We always have our specific spot and we work on it a lot in practice."

The Comets finally got a shot past Jackson when Tatum Neumann scored in the 53rd minute. Jackson stopped 19 of 20 shots.

"The second goal from Autumn was really important," Timmons said. "It put us up two goals and that ended up carrying us to the win. It was key for us."