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The Huntland High School Lady Hornets beat the Forrest Lady Rockets 2-1 at home Thursday for their third win of the season.

The Lady Hornets took an early lead in the contest and held off a late offensive push from the Lady Rockets to secure their third straight one-goal victory to begin the year.

Huntland head soccer Amanda Tipps said that the margins of victory could be better, but she was happy with the strong start to the season.

“We can’t make it easy. We’re living dangerously. We’re getting it done, but it’s not pretty,” she said. “I’m pleased with us finishing on top. I think that shows some maturity. I hope it bodes well for us as the season goes on.”

The first goal of the day came with about 14 minutes remaining in the first half as Kinsley Kilpatrick sent a pass from midfield to Hazel Reed at the top of the goal box, and Reed turned and buried a shot in the back of the net to put Huntland in front.

The Lady Hornets led 1-0 at halftime.

The Lady Hornets doubled their lead about 10 minutes into the second half as Reed received a long pass from Piper Cox, maneuvered around several defenders in the goal box and fired a shot which deflected off the inside of the right goalpost and into the net. Reed has three goals so far this season for the Lady Hornets.

The Lady Rockets got back into the game with 24 minutes to go as they scored off of a free kick to make it a 2-1 game.

The Lady Rockets launched a few more attacks on Huntland’s goal in the time remaining, but the Lady Hornets’ defense turned them away each time to clinch the victory by one.

With the win, the Lady Hornets improved to 3-0 on the season.

They will next play Thursday at Fayetteville City High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.