by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
Kansas City Kansas Community College’s young women’s soccer team continues to make history.
Not only was the Blue Devils’ 4-2 win over No. 8 ranked Butler County the first ever over the Grizzlies in 12 clashes, it was KCKCC’s first win ever over a Top 10 team. More so, the win boosted the Blue Devils’ record to 8-2, the most wins in college history.
Finally, the four Blue Devil goals are the most scored by a Jayhawk Conference opponent against Butler since 2010 and the loss marked the first time the Grizzlies have lost two home conference games in the same season since Butler’s inaugural season in 2012.
The win tightened KCKCC’s hold on second place in the Jayhawk at 4-2 heading into a home contest with Neosho County Wednesday at 5 p.m. League-leading Cowley College (6-1) plays host to Butler Wednesday and then will entertain the Blue Devils in a pivotal collision Saturday at 2 p.m.
Led by freshman Melissa Siegel of Endingen, Germany, KCKCC built a 3-0 halftime lead and led 4-0 before Butler scored twice in the final 24 minutes. Siegel scored three goals – two on penalty kicks – to power the Blue Devil offensively.
Siegel’s first goal came just 17 minutes into the game, a right-footed shot just inside the right post from 20 yards out after taking a one touch assist from freshman Connie Hughes.
Seven minutes later, Siegel scored on a penalty kick following a Butler handball in the box. Sophomore Karleigh Enyart made it 3-0 just before halftime with a 30-yard missile over Butler goalkeeper Lexi Winkle.
“A really solid first half, one of if not the best start we’ve had all season against a very tough team,” KCKCC assistant coach Sara Matthews said. “We worked hard to earn a goal in the second half but let them gain a little momentum. A season is about learning lessons along the way; we need to continue to do so to put together a full 90 minutes.”
Siegel’s second penalty kick goal 10 minutes into the second half made it 4-0. The kick came after Butler’s Sandra Thiman was issued a yellow care for a tackle in the 18-yard box. Hannah Becker ended KCKCC’s shutout bid on a free kick from 25 yards in the 66th minute and Karter Corini got the Grizzlies final goal on a deflection in the 71st minute.
“When this team is focused and prepared to play, it’s a very difficult team to beat,” KCKCC head coach Shawn Uhlenhake said. “The players are really fun to be around and loved to be challenged. Luckily, we are in a conference that serves up weekly challenges albeit it a very difficult league. Although great to get a win at Butler, we still haven’t made the playoffs yet. Our goal is to get into the playoffs.”
The Blue Devils have five games to go including three at home. In addition to Neosho Wednesday, KCKCC plays host to Johnson County Friday, Oct. 11; and Coffeyville Sunday, Oct. 20. At first place Cowley Saturday at 2 p.m., the Blue Devils also go to Allen County Oct. 16.
“This is a team worth watching,” Uhlenhake said. “They’re an exciting group of young ladies to watch. Sometimes the excitement isn’t always in our favor but these young ladies are representing this community and this college like no other women’s soccer team.”