NATCHEZ — The Natchez High School Lady Bulldogs fell to Brookhaven High School 6-0 Friday night on the field, but in Natchez head coach Sihya Smith’s eyes, it wasn’t necessarily the scoreboard that told the whole story.

“I’m really proud of the girls,” she said. “A majority of them have not played soccer before. We have had to break it down and work and teach positions and skills. They have improved tremendously and I am so proud of their effort (Friday).”

Brookhaven jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the sixth minute after a long shot evaded the grasp of the Natchez High keeper.

Four minutes later, Brookhaven pushed the lead to 2-0 on an own goal by the Lady Bulldogs.

In the 28th minute, Brookhaven converted a penalty kick to take a commanding 3-0 lead. However, the Lady Bulldogs weren’t out of the fight.

Natchez created multiple breakaway chances against Brookhaven, whose keeper was playing near the midfield line most of the game.

“I think that they started feeling that they were doing well and I think realizing that they could play at that level, gave them the incentive to keep their momentum going,” Smith said.

Brookhaven added three more goals in the second half, beginning just three minutes in on a cross that was put away into the bottom corner giving them a 4-0 lead.

Three minutes later it was 5-0 on a steal in the Natchez box that ended up being slotted away on an easy finish.

Brookhaven capped the scoring four minutes later to seal the 6-0 win.

But, the Lady Bulldogs would cause some more chaos with three more attempts on goal in the remaining time in the game.

For Smith, it is games like this where she hopes the community will pick up on soccer.

“I grew up in Tupelo playing soccer and in a soccer atmosphere,” she said. “And then I came down here and found a group of girls who were just as excited about soccer as I was growing up. It is a wonderful feeling. They are so awesome and I couldn’t have asked for a better group.”