BROOKHAVEN — A high pressing Brookhaven Academy soccer team dominated Laurel Christian Monday evening. BA midfielder Karen Hernandez opened the scoring in a 4-0 win over the Cougars. 

Goalkeeper Ainsley Orr was not tested much in the clean sheet but it’s another shoutout for the team. Head Coach Alex Brown said it is the eighth straight clean sheet for his squad. 

Reagan Fortenberry led the scoring with two goals, one was a header and a tap in off of a Ava Calcote header. Camille Calcote finished a great pass from Mallory Martin in the second half in the final goal. 

Hernandez’s goal was probably the best technical finish of the night although she played a part in creating a few others with passes and a corner kick. Brookhaven Academy won a free kick 30 yards from goal when Hernandez stepped up to the ball and placed a beautiful curling shot into the upper right hand corner. 

“I was actually aiming for the middle of the goal and I wasn’t expecting it to go into the corner,” Hernandez said. “I worked with my brothers this summer on set pieces. My brother has helped me with foot work and being my goalie because he is tall. My older brother helps me on how I should put the curve in it and my dad helps me too. He was great at set pieces. He helps me know where to shoot based on where the goalie is standing.” 

Hernandez said her dad was good at soccer when he was young but injured his knee. He did play for a league in Hattiesburg but has really become a coach for his daughter. Hernandez said her dad has helped her with placing corner kicks into dangerous areas. 

Set pieces are crucial in soccer because they allow attackers to place the ball into a dangerous area. Head Coach Alex Brown said Hernandez has gotten stronger in taking her free kicks. Kings Daughter Medical Center Sports Medicine has helped the team improve in strength. 

Brookhaven Academy was able to win a lot of the 50/50 balls in midfield and keep the pressure up on Laurel Christian. Brown said at times had to face eight or nine defenders dropping back behind the ball. 

Tough competition 

The win sets up a big test against 6A Presbyterian Christian School Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. PCS won 2-0 at home last month but the Cougars could make a statement for themselves Tuesday. 

“I have high expectations. I wanted the schedule to be tough and they were a good opponent to have a home and home with,” Brown said. “It will be different playing here. We had to play on turf there and they played wide so we had to change formations at halftime. We have a much different game plan and we are excited to see how it goes.” 

Brookhaven Academy has grown this year as athletes and in technical ability. They want to win the game. PCS could provide a glimpse at the type of opponents BA will meet in the MAIS playoffs. Hernandez is looking forward to the challenge. 

“We want to go out there and have a mindset that we want to beat them. We do want to win,” Hernadez said. “They are a good team and we want to get ready for the playoffs.”