by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
The biggest offensive output of the season wasn’t quite enough for Kansas City Kansas Community College’s women’s soccer team at Hesston Tuesday.
Trailing 4-0 at halftime, the Lady Blue Devils scored three times in a five-minute span in the second half and had a game-tying shot hit the corner cross bar in a 4-3 loss. The loss evened KCKCC’s record at 2-2 heading into a home Jayhawk Conference clash with Allen County Thursday at 4:30 p.m. followed by a men’s contest at 7 p.m.
Hesston took advantage of the Blue Devils long road trip and a 30-minute weather delay to jump off to a 4-0 lead in the first half. Three of the goals were scored by Mikaela Zook, who also assisted on the fourth one.
Challenged by coach Jeremy Winzer to win the second half, the Blue Devils responded quickly, led by Cristy Avelar. Jessica Ibarra got KCKCC’s first goal on a punt from goalkeeper Maria Hansen and two minutes later Allie Ledbetter and Katie Trzok linked up on a goal that cut the deficit in half at 4-2.
With momentum on their side, the Blue Devils needed just another three minutes for their third goal on a pass from Emily Soetart to Loida Carranza, who beat two defenders and the goalie. Given a free kick from 25 yards out, Trozk’s attempt at a tie banged off the top of the right corner of the goal.
“As a head coach it was hard to be upset with the effort and great character to dig deep and put three goals on the board after trailing 4-0,” Winzer said. “We had great leadership from Madison Simmons and Maria Hansen, who turned away 17 Hesston shots. Going into conference play, I thought this was a great game because we learned a great deal about each other as a team and our ability to dominate a team when we are all in tune.”
The Blue Devils will get another shot in the arm against Allen County Thursday with the hopeful return of sophomore midfielder Cynthia Conchas.
“I’m really excited about this team moving forward,” Winzer said. “We have five players with goals and great resilient athletes with a lot of heart and character.”
Alan Hoskins is the sports information director at KCKCC.