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By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

ALABASTER – The Thompson Warriors put together one of their best performances of the season as everything clicked on both ends of the pitch against the Benjamin Russell Wildcats.

Thompson fired three goals past the Ben Russell defense in the first half en route to a 3-1 victory on Thursday, March 6 at Warrior Stadium.

Anchored by a strong defensive outing that saw them allow no goals in the entire first half, the Warriors capitalized to establish a lead that they would never give up down the stretch.

Charli Gantt helped Thompson open up the scoring during the first half as she sent a ball to Nathalie Gonzalez, who converted the chance to put the hosts in front 1-0.

From there, it was the Luna Montiel-Duenas show as the star freshman was responsible for both of her teams goals in the remainder of the first half.

The first one came thanks to a strong chance from Helen Adan’s boot as she helped the Warriors double up the lead to 2-0 with a goal.

After that, deuces were wild for Thompson as Gantt secured her second assist of the night by giving Montiel-Duenas her second goal.

That finished off the brace for Montiel-Duenas and sent the Warriors into halftime with a 3-0 advantage.

Thompson settled into a groove with its multi-goal lead in the second half. However, that lead was briefly tested when the Wildcats got on the board to cut the deficit to 3-1.

That was the only time Ben Russell got through into the back of the net as the Warriors finished off the 3-1 victory to continue their strong start to the year.

Thompson improved to 8-3-1 as a result of the win and is No. 10 in the Class 7A girls soccer coaches poll. The Warriors will return to their home pitch on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. when they host Athens.

Thompson’s boys soccer team also improved to 8-3-1 that same night as they defeated Helena 2-1 on the road. The Warriors are now No. 5 in the Class 7A boys soccer coaches poll and will be back in action on Tuesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. on the road at Hewitt-Trussville.