Parkersburg’s Emma Morris (19) watches her header during the Big Reds’ 10-0, mercy-rule win over Riverside, Thursday at Stadium Field in Parkersburg. Morris scored two goals in the second half and also recorded an assist earlier in the match. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

PARKERSBURG – The defensive side of the field for the Parkersburg girls soccer team became a lonely place, especially for the keeper as the Big Reds stayed on the offensive in dominating fashion during a 10-0, mercy-rule win over Riverside Thursday night at Stadium Field.

Seven different Big Reds scored goals, including Camille Tatterson, Faithlyn Butcher and Emma Morris tacking on two apiece.

The match ended with 28:35 still remaining in the regulation when Morris rifled a shot from nearly 35 yards out and hit the back of the net without ever touching the Riverside keeper.

With Nitro paying a visit for a Saturday morning match, PHS remains unbeaten at 4-0. Riverside fell to 0-4 and suffered its third mercy-rule defeat.

“We kind of talked about goals before the season – some were things they could work on to be successful,” PHS coach Jarric Hoskins said. “Anniya (Powell) made a great point. She talked about family. The team needs to be like a family, and they have really worked on that. They really get along.”

Parkersburg’s Camille Tatterson (2) looks to take control of the ball while being defended by Riverside’s Emily Sandford (19) and Abby Berry (24) during Thursday’s high school girls soccer match at Stadium Field, Thursday in Parkersburg. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

Once PHS found its niche in the first half, Riverside keeper Allydia Robuinette faced a constant barrage of shots. She made 22 saves and heard multiple balls ricochet off the posts and crossbar which prevented the Big Reds from tacking on at that moment.

“At first, I thought we weren’t as settled as we could be on the offensive side of the ball,” coach Hoskins said. “Once we settled in and started moving the ball and using our width, things started opening up a lot better for us.”

One ball that managed to use the goal supports to its advantage put PHS in front 1-0 when Camille Tatterson rattled one home at the 33:13 mark of the first half.

The second PHS goal originated off a corner kick from Kayla Marlow. In the midst of the scrum for the rebound, Anniya Powell picked up a loose ball and scored for a 2-0 Big Red lead.

Patterson came through yet again on a beautiful feed from Morris which caught the Riverside keeper by surprise. Just less than 21 minutes still remaining in the half and PHS led 3-0.

Parkersburg’s Malaya Bowling (25) dribbles downfield during Thursday’s high school soccer match with Riverside, Thursday at Stadium Field in Parkersburg. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

“I’m really excited for this year,” Tatterson said. “We have a deep bench. You saw that with the JV coming in (in the second half). I’m excited for what we have.

“We know we have to take things seriously, but we also have fun. So I love that. I feel like we always come out strong and intense, and no matter who we are playing we try our hardest.”

Butcher entered the picture eight minutes later with two goals in the span of 30 seconds. Both goals followed a similar blueprint – Butcher sprinting down the left side of the field and finding a gap in the net while being nearly parallel to the goal and where she attempted her shots.

“Honestly, it’s just amazing to play with these girls,” Butcher said.”Everyone just fits in so well – from the ones who played last to the new girls coming in. Right now, we are having a blast. We all just bring so much joy with each other. We all enjoy each other’s humor and the bus rides as well as the conversations in the locker room.”

Butcher nearly turned in the hat trick at the seven-minute mark. The sophomore found a crease inside the box and from point blank range her shot found just enough post to keep the lead 5-0.

Parkersburg’s Faithlyn Butcher (7) waits for the pass as teammate Amiya Powell (31) and Riverside’s Ari Coles (0) watch from nearby during Thursday’s high school girls soccer match at Stadium Field in Parkersburg. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

“Faithlyn was in the right position – I wish she could have had that third, but it’s OK,” Hoskins said.

A give-and-go from Gracie Lively to Malaya Bowling just beat the buzzer for a sixth goal with nine seconds remaining before intermission.

Coach Hoskins cleared his bench for the start of the second half and gave his junior varsity quality minutes. And the reserves responded with two shots on its first two shot attempts – first from Morris 33 seconds into the half and again from Laeklyn Hart three minutes later.

PHS executed the corner kick for its ninth goal as Aelissa Stravakis found Madi Butterfield near the net. Butterfield was able to use her body to push the ball into the net.

“The JV in the second half came out and played really well, and looked to use what we were trying to work on as far as moving the ball around,” Hoskins said. “So all around, it was good.”

Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com