Fulton struck twice in the game’s early moments, but the quick scores turned out to be an anomaly.

The Bulldogs allowed just two more goals the rest of the way as the defense stood its ground. And on several occasions they threatened to rally. But the Hornets proved just as stingy and Mexico fell 4-0.

“I feel like once the second half came we got into rhythm,” observed Bulldogs defender Lizzie Joiner, who has a penchant for using her head.

With 10 minutes gone in the first, Joiner headed away a Fulton attempt. This gave Mexico an opportunity to move forward and Shelby Kennemore worked free in the corner and drove a neat crossing pass into the box.

But Fulton goalkeeper Grace Siegel intervened and the attack fizzled. But with Samantha Joiner able to control the middle of the field and launch the offense, Kennemore tried twice more to make the idea work, again to no avail.

The Hornets scored a third goal in the 16th minute when Kauri Henderson fired from can’t miss range. But Mexico’s defense stiffened. Maddi Maxwell stood tall to deflect a shot before it reached the Bulldogs keeper, Tessa Haefling.

And Haefling began to rake up balls. After four consecutive saves, Fulton’s Maddie Dyro launched a shot from distance, a sign of growing frustration.

Meanwhile Kennemore was pushing forward again, testing for a weakness. With 5:18 to go in the first she found space along the right touchline and fed Wyndee Bohr, darting into the 18 yard box. Bohr lined a shot on target, but at the Fulton keeper.

“We did pretty good,” Kennemore said of the offensive-minded turn. “There are moments when we need to keep pushing. We have to have the mindset that we want to score.”

Monday’s game showed a team that could counterattack and hold the midfield. It almost paid off on two other occasions. With 16:33 remaining in the game, Paige Myers closed on the Fulton goal and tried a shot from a dangerous angle. But it was fended off.

Later defender Ruby Haefling charged forward on the attack, but could not find support.

Tessa Haefling recorded 20 saves. She also received help from Lizzie Joiner on two more occasions.

It was senior day, so the team and fans honored the lone senior on head coach Haley Schafer’s young side.

“It felt weird,” said Miriam Gleeson, reflecting on the moment. “I think collectively we know it’s getting to the end of the season. I know I’m going to get to my last game. But we have someone to do this for.”

After the game, the Hornets presented Mexico players with shirts commemorating Emma Azdell.