CHOCTAW -- The Ponca City Lady Cats soccer team came away Saturday as champions of the two-day Choctaw Cup tournament.

The Lady Cats topped Choctaw 2-1 in the championship game.

Ponca City’s first-round opponent cancelled at the last moment giving the Lady Cats an automatic bye into the semifinals.

In the semifinal match, Ponca City topped Midwest City Carl Albert 2-1.

Coach Lewis “Bubba” Smethers credited Ponca City team play and pressure for the victory over Carl Albert. The first goal of the game

The first goal of the game was scored in the sixth minute by Ponca City senior Karla Rojas on a direct kick. The match went along at 1-0 until Ponca City junior Savannah Thompson scored on an assist by junior Abby Williams in the 31st minute.

The half ended at 2-0. Smethers said that his team played well in the second half shutting out Carl Albert until the final minute of action.

In the championship game, the Lady Cats went up against the host Choctaw outfit.

“Choctaw is a fast physical team and could move the ball well making for a exciting game,” Smethers said. “Both teams came out shooting and playing solid defense. The Lady Cats figured Choctaw out, put the pressure on and played their bast game this season.”

Breaking up a scoreless tie in the 23rd minute, Ponca City sophomore Laney Reynolds scored on an assist by junior Abby Williams.

Three minutes later Choctaw scored the equalizer to make the score 1-1.

After the Lady Cats increased their pressure on Choctaw, Williams scored on an assist by Reynolds with less than a minute to play in the half.

“Second half the Lady Cats came out with total team offense putting pressure on Choctaw defense and had several opportunities,” Smethers said. “Choctaw put on a late charge and (Ponca City’s) total team defense held them off,” Smethers said. “Thank you to all those who support Lady Cat soccer and all it takes for this team to go on the road for 3 days this week”