CHILLICOTHE — The Miami Trace girls varsity soccer team gave a strong challenge to defending Frontier Athletic Conference champions Chillicothe Tuesday, Aug. 28.

Chillicothe held on for a 3-2 win.

“We came out strong in the first half and had multiple shots on goal but struggled to find the back of the net,” Miami Trace head coach Caitlin Francis said.

Chillicothe got the first goal of the game with 19:05 left in the first half.

Miami Trace answered with a goal by Tori Evans assisted by Becca Ratliff with 13:01 left in the half. The score was tied at half time.

Chillicothe came out strong in the second half scoring at the 38:18 mark putting them ahead 2-1.

“Our girls played with a lot of heart in the second half trying to come back from behind,” Francis said. Chillicothe put another goal in with 5:19 left to play, but Miami Trace responded a minute later as Reagan Barton put one in the goal, ending the game, 3-2.

Khenadi Grubb had nine saves in the goal with Aubrey Schwartz adding in a non-goalie save.

“I was proud of our team’s efforts tonight and I know they have so much potential for this season,” Francis said. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to play Chillicothe again in the second round of our league games. I know the girls will be working very hard between now and then to prove what they are truly capable of.”

Miami Trace will host McClain in another FAC match Thursday at 6:45 p.m.

In other FAC girls soccer action Tuesday, Hillsboro defeated Washington, 8-0 and Jackson beat McClain, 9-3.

In FAC boys soccer Tuesday, it was Chilllicothe over Miami Trace, 3-0, Hillsboro topped Washington, 8-1 and Jackson defeated McClain, 3-1.