By Jeff Keeling
Science Hill’s boys’ soccer team defeated Oak Ridge 3-1 Saturday to book a repeat trip to this week’s state tournament in Murfreesboro. The team faced East Hamilton in the quarterfinal Tuesday after News and Neighbor went to press.
Junior Lucas Altman scored all three Topper goals as the team dominated possession after ceding an early goal. Altman tied the score midway through the first half on a stickback from close in, then gave the team a lead it wouldn’t relinquish 31 minutes into the first half after a textbook low cross off the left foot of senior Jhordan Rogers.
About 20 minutes into the second frame, Altman delivered a blistering left-footed strike from 20 yards to cap the hat trick. Oak Ridge was limited to occasional counterattacks, with senior defender John Lucchesi leading the defense in repelling those. Visit jcnewsandneighbor.com for updates as the team, featuring 11 seniors, tries to advance beyond last year’s trip to the semifinals. See jcnewsandneighbor.com/soccertostate for a longer version of this story. All photos by Jeff Keeling.
Sophomore wing Elliott Fry looks to settle a high ball.
Junior Lucas Altman and Oak Ridge defenders watch Altman’s 20-yard blast head toward the net for his third goal.
Senior Jhordan Rogers delivers the assist that gave Science Hill a 2-1 lead.
Sophomore Rob McDermott beats a defender down the left flank.
Senior defender John Lucchesi delivers a throw-in early in Science Hill’s 3-1 win over Oak Ridge.
Striker Jhordan Rogers, right, battles an Oak Ridge defender for the ball.
