LADY RAIDERS REFOCUS FOR SOPHOMORE NIGHT FOLLOWING TOUGH LOSS

Facing one of the toughest offenses in the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association, the Roane State Lady Raiders held strong early before falling 6–0 to Motlow State on Monday.

Head coach Donnie Green's squad executed a disciplined defensive plan to start the match, forcing Motlow to work deep into the box for scoring chances. Despite the loss, Green said he was proud of his team's composure and structure against a nationally recognized opponent.

"We knew going into it we had to keep them out of the back of the net," Green said. "We set a low block—basically parked the bus—and I was impressed with how we held them off early. A team that talented is eventually going to break through, but we made them earn it."

Goalkeeper Addison Roberts anchored the Roane State defense with 20 saves on 26 shots faced, turning away several close-range attempts to keep the Lady Raiders within reach. The Lady Bucks scored three times in each half, including one penalty kick in the 15th minute.

Offensively, Roane State created a handful of promising opportunities. Freshman Maddie Bailey and freshman Emma Leander each recorded shots on goal, while midfielder Breanna Sanderson added another chance from distance that sailed just wide.

"We actually had two really good chances to score," Green said. "We hit the crossbar on one, and we whiffed another inside the box. If those go in, it's a much closer game. But that's soccer—sometimes the bounces don't go your way."

Despite the scoreline, Green said his team continued to build on fundamentals that have improved steadily throughout the season.

"I was pleased with our buildup," he said. "We created opportunities, and against a team like that, you just have to finish them. They're deadly from six to twelve yards, and they showed why they're one of the best."

The Lady Raiders now turn their attention to Sophomore Night this Friday, when they host Southwest Tennessee in what Green called a pivotal match for postseason positioning.

"We've got three games left, and I told the team I expect us to go 3-0," Green said. "When we played Southwest last month, we basically gave them the game. This time they're coming to our place, and our goal is to hit them hard and finish our chances."

Roane State currently sits in contention for the No. 4 seed in the TCCAA standings. With the final stretch likely determined by goal differential, the Lady Raiders will need at least a win on Friday to lock in homefield advantage for the first round of the TCCAA tournament.

The Lady Raiders host Southwest Tennessee for Sophomore night this Friday. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET.

Final: Motlow State 6, Roane State 0
Shots on Goal: RSCC 2, Motlow State 26
Saves: RSCC — Addison Roberts 20