Overbay's brace lifts Science Hill to District 1-AAA title

KINGSPORT — Tournament MVP Brenna Overbay scored two goals in a span of 17 minutes off assists from Chloe Dishner to lift Science Hill over Tennessee High in the District 1-AAA soccer final. The Lady Hilltoppers' persistence paid off in a 2-0 victory over the Lady Vikings on Thursday night at Indians-Highlands Park. Science Hill (12-5-1) dominated a scoreless first half with a 6-1 advantage in shot attempts. The Lady 'Toppers found the back of the net early in the second half and didn't look back. They will be at home against Morristown West in the Region 1-AAA semifinals as they begin a quest for a third straight state tournament appearance. Tennessee High (11-8) will go on the road to face Sevier County. "We had some opportunities in the first half and just didn't finish them," Science Hill coach Ron Kind said. "I told the girls to settle down, relax, share the ball and knock it side-to-side. At halftime, it was just play our game and it will come to us. We had another goal called offsides, but what a beautiful set piece it was." The Lady 'Toppers finally broke through in the 46th minute as Overbay scored with an assist by Dishner. Overbay, Science Hill's all-time leader in goals, scored again in the 63rd minute off a cross from Dishner. "We've known each other since elementary school and have played together since freshman year in high school," Overbay said. "We communicate really well and understand each other in the field of play. That second goal, there was nothing better. I found that little opening and I was able to finish the first time." Dishner placed the ball in the perfect spots for Overbay to take advantage. Kind appreciated how they worked in tandem and referred to them as special players. "Brenna and I have known each other forever so we have a good connection," Dishner said. "I know where she's making a run to, and it just works out." They were two of six Science Hill players on the all-tournament team. The others were: Klasia Dotson, Emily Strode, Emma Anette and Maddie McDonald. Dotson was a key player on the back end as she and Adria Hatley combined to shut down the Lady Vikings' speedster Kadyn Kemmerer. "If she follows me to one side, I switch with Adria," Dotson said. "We switched about 10 times in the game. Then one time, Kara (Barrett) and me switched. It's competitive for me because I'm also fast. It's pushing me to my fullest potential." Kind has his team right where he wants them to host the region semifinal. A final could be at home against Tennessee High again or at Sevier County depending on that match's outcome. What he liked most about Thursday's effort was how his team didn't panic. "Being patient, being calm is a major part of the soccer game," Kind said. "Being able to share the ball and have good vision, it mentally and physically wears the other team down."