Jackson opens Lady Indian Showcase with loss to Marquette

Jackson’s Maya Domian advances the ball during the Indians’ 2-0 loss to Marquette on Friday, March 22, in Jackson.

Clay Herrell ~ cherrell@semoball.com

Friday night marked the opening night of the 2024 Jackson Lady Indian Showcase.

In the opening contest of the evening, it was Kickapoo defeating Helias Catholic 1-0.

The nightcap featured the host Indians battling Marquette.

“We look forward to this every year,” Indians coach Justin McMullen said. “We have three really quality opponents down here in our area so we’re fortunate to host some quality games.”

Early in the first half the Indians managed to maintain possession which resulted in multiple opportunities to score in the box.

“I thought we moved the ball around really well,” McMullen said. “Our spacing was really good and we were quick to the ball.”

While Jackson couldn’t capitalize on any of its chances, the Indians also managed to prevent the Mustangs from getting any opportunities of their own.

With the two teams holding each other in check, they entered halftime tied at zero.

“We just wanted to maintain the way we were playing,” McMullen said of his halftime message. “We were just hoping to get a goal or two.”

Just four minutes into the second half, a breakdown by the Indians led to a golden opportunity for the Mustangs that they converted on to take a 1-0 lead.

“We got a little bit loose in the back,” McMullen said. “They just made a really good play on us.”

Seven minutes later, Marquette struck again, this time on a cross into the box that was headed home for a 2-0 advantage.

Credit to the Indians, they managed to shift the momentum and generate opportunities late, but they weren’t able to beat the Marquette goalkeeper as they fell 2-0.

The Jackson Lady Indian Showcase will continue at 10 a.m. tomorrow when Marquette battles Kickapoo.

Jackson (1-1) will finish out the showcase at 11:30 a.m. when the Indians take on Helias Catholic.

“We just have to get hydrated and take care of our bodies,” McMullen said. “It’s a quick turnaround but sometimes that’s good after a game like this.”

Regardless of result, McMulled emphasized the importance of this weekend for the development of his team.

“We need games like this,” McMullen said. “This is why our schedule is the way it is. We want to prepare ourselves for the end of the season.”