DAYTON, Tenn. – The Cumberland Valley Christian Blazers picked up a pair of victories Wednesday on the opening day of the National Association of Christian Athletes boys soccer tournament.

The Blazers (19-5) earned two shutouts, defeating Rhea County Public 9-0 and Veritas 1-0 in the round that determined the division in which Blazers will be competing over the last two days of the tournament.

“We will be in Division 1 playing two games tomorrow and two more on Friday,” Blazers coach Stan Hott said.

In their first game, the Blazers took a 4-0 lead at halftime over Rhea County.

Kenneth Hott scored three goals, the first coming only five minutes into the contest. Ryan Winters and Eli Black each scored two goals, and Noah Randolph and YeGeon Choi added one goal each.

Blaine Minnier had three assists and Hott added two for the Blazers. Winters, Black,  Jimmy Hong and Isaac Kauffeldt each contributed one assist.

The Blazers outshot Rhea County 35-2 and held a 3-0 advantage in corner kicks.
The second game was a lot tighter as the Blazers prevailed with their 13^th shutout victory of the season.

The game was scoreless until midway through the second half when Jack Gabler netted a goal. Gabler also played goalkeeper and made nine saves.