2022 Louisburg Sports Zone Female Athlete of the Year Nominees

For the past six years, Louisburg Sports Zone has given out Athlete of the Week awards during each of the three sports seasons. I do it to recognize special athletic achievements and to highlight the athletes.

For the fifth consecutive year, Louisburg Sports Zone will be handing out an Athlete of the Year honor to a male and female athlete at Louisburg High School. I wanted the opportunity to recognize those who exemplify what it means to be an “athlete.”

Although I am giving out the award, I wanted the process to be subjective, so I asked the head coaches at LHS to help me out. I asked each coach to send me nominations of who they thought exemplified the Athlete of the Year honor. They will then vote for their top 3 male and female athletes and then I will tabulate the results and determine the winner. The winner will be announced in the coming days.

Below are the nominees for the Female Athlete of the Year award in alphabetical order by last name. Congrats to all those who were nominated and best of luck!

Davis Guetterman, Senior, Volleyball and Track and Field

Davis made an impact on a pair of Louisburg athletic programs this past season. The Louisburg senior was a starting setter for the Lady Cats and she was also a thrower on the Wildcat track team.

On the volleyball court, Guetterman finished her year with a 138 kills, 436 assists, 184 digs and 58 aces as she helped the Lady Cats to the sub-state championship this season. In her four year career, she tallied 199 kills, 1,603 assists, 564 digs and 184 aces as she helped the Lady Cats to two state tournament appearances. She also earned honorable mention all-league honors this season as a setter and earned the AVCA Best and Brightest First Team Award and was chosen as the recipient of the 2021 Lady Cat Volleyball award.

In the spring, Guetterman was one of the top throwers on the team in the javelin and earned a state bid in 2021. She will continue her career in both volleyball and track and field at the University of Sioux Falls in the upcoming year.

Reese Johnson, Senior, Cross Country and Soccer

Reese played at a high level for two different Louisburg teams this past season. The Louisburg senior was one of the top runners on the Louisburg cross country team and a starter for the Wildcat soccer program.

In cross country, Johnson helped the Lady Cat team to the Class 4A state meet for the fifth consecutive time. The team finished fifth overall at state and Johnson earned her third state medal of her career as she finished 19th overall in 21:08 at Wamego Country Club. She was also an honorable mention all-league selection as she finished 16th at the league meet.

Johnson also played a vital role for the Wildcat soccer team that finished the season in the regional championship and a 13-5 record. She finished with nine goals and eight assists on the season and was a first-team all-league selection from her midfield spot.

Corinna McMullen, Senior, Volleyball and Track and Field

Corinna was a big part of two Wildcat programs this past season as she was a member of the volleyball and track and field programs. She was the starting setter for the volleyball team and threw the discus on the track squad.

In volleyball, not only was McMullen one of the team’s starting setters, she was also the team’s top hitter. McMullen led the Lady Cats to the regional championship and helped the program to two state tournament appearances. This season, she led Louisburg with 284 assists and 224 kills to go along with 194 digs and 35 aces. She was a first-team all-league selection as a hitter and an honorable mention selection as a setter. McMullen also earned all-state honors and was selected to play in the GKCVCA MO-KAN All-Star match. She was named as the team MVP for Louisburg and was given the AVCA Best and Brightest First Team Award.

On the track team, McMullen was the squad’s top discus thrower and earned her second consecutive state medal this past May. McMullen placed third at the Class 4A meet with a throw of 117-4. She threw a personal best of 127-3 to win a Frontier League title. She will be continuing her athletic career at Washburn University as a member of the volleyball team.

Delaney Wright, Senior, Basketball and Track and Field

Delaney was a part of the girls basketball program and track and field team for Louisburg High School this past season. She was a starting guard on the basketball team and competed in four events on the track team.

As a member of the Wildcat track program, Wright competed in the long jump, 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash and the 4×400 relay. She qualified for state in all four events and won three regional titles. At the Class 4A state meet she brought home three medals. Wright finished as the state runner-up in the 400 dash, took in the 200 dash and medaled fifth in the long jump. She ended her Wildcat career with 10 state medals, three state championships and holds school records in three events.

Wright was also a member of the Lady Cat basketball team and was a returning letter-winner off of last season’s third place finish at state. She was a starting guard on the Lady Cat team and was considered the team’s best defender, before an injury ended her season halfway through.  That injury also cost Wright part of her track season, as well. She will continue her track career at Kansas State University next season.




Johnson, Hahn named first team; Wildcats get 8 on all-league soccer

It was a successful season for the Louisburg girls soccer team.

The Wildcats finished the year with a 13-5 record, the No. 2 seed in the state playoffs, and advanced to the regional championship match.

Louisburg was rewarded for all that success when the All-Frontier League team was released last week. The Wildcats earned eight selections, while seniors Reese Johnson and Sierra Hahn were awarded first team honors.

“This league is so good top to bottom,” Conley said. “I was very impressed with our representation this year. I felt there could have been a couple more kids, and in different spots, but it was good to see the kids get their honors.”

Johnson was a first-team selection from her midfield spot and finished with a strong senior campaign. She was second on the team with nine goals and she also had a team-high eight assists.

Hahn was named as the Frontier League’s top goalkeeper as she finished the year with 55 saves and recorded eight clean sheets.

“Reese and Sierra did a very nice job for us all year long,” Conley said. “They showed everyday and absolutely battled. Reese was one of the best players on the field each and every night. Sierra was just solid for us all year. She made a lot of big saves for us this season when we needed one.”

The Wildcats put three more on the second team in sophomore forward Lexi Hampton, and sophomore midfielders Lola Edwards and Hailey Sword.

Hampton was Louisburg’s go-to scorer for most of the season as she led the team with 16 goals on the year to go along with two assists.

Edwards was also an important piece in the Wildcats’ attack as she tallied five goals and five assists on the year. Sword helped the team both offensively and defensively and ended her season with a three goals and an assist.

“The second team girls could have been very easily first team kids,” Conley said. “They all had really good years and I am very proud of them.”

Junior midfielders Adyson Ross and Bree Gassman, along with freshman forward Rowan Yows, were named to the honorable mention team. 

Yows finished the year with six goals and four assists, while Gassman had a goal and an assist. Ross did a lot of her work on the defensive side as she was tagged with staying with the opponents’ best players.

“Honorable mention kiddos did a great job as well,” Conley said. “I feel like we got a decent amount of recognition in regards to numbers. We had a pretty talented roster top to bottom and I felt we did well. Obviously, it would have been nice to have some more players, but happy for the girls who were honored.”

ALL-FRONTIER LEAGUE GIRLS SOCCER

First Team

Payton Vogelbacher, Spring Hill, junior

Sierra Montez, Piper, junior

Ryann Clark, Piper, junior

Reese Johnson, Louisburg, senior

Riley Smith, Baldwin, senior

Mackenzie Hood, Spring Hill, senior

Reagan Downes, Spring Hill, senior

Jayla Erpelding, Eudora, sophomore

Jenna Knight, Bonner Springs, junior

Fisayo Afonja, Baldwin, sophomore

GOALIE: Sierra Hahn, Louisburg, senior

Second Team

Veronica Farris, Spring Hill, junior

Brooke Powell, Spring Hill, senior

Lexi Hampton, Louisburg, sophomore

Cate Milroy, Spring Hill, senior

Hailey Sword, Louisburg, sophomore

Lola Edwards, Louisburg, sophomore

Mallory Vickers, Eudora, senior

Nora Prather, Baldwin, sophomore

Olivia Morton, Ottawa, senior

Jessica Russo, Spring Hill, sophomore

GOALIE: Kambry Shockley, Eudora, junior

Honorable Mention

Mercedes Matlock, Bonner Springs, senior

Kaiya Taylor, Eudora, freshman

Lizzie Fisher, Eudora, freshman

Adyson Ross, Louisburg, junior

Rowan Yows, Louisburg, freshman

Bree Gassman, Louisburg, junior

Eva Romero, Tonganoxie, senior

Reagan Seba, Tonganoxie, senior

Abby Patterson, Baldwin, senior

Alex McBride, Baldwin, sophomore

Jessica Hale, Piper, freshman

Kyndell Letcher, Piper, junior

Madi Welker, Piper, junior

Olivia Infante, Spring Hill, sophomore

Izzy Farris, Spring Hill, junior

Paige Hiracheta, Ottawa, junior

Madison Lee, Ottawa, senior

GOALIE: Avery Young, Spring Hill, sophomore; Reagyn Combs, Piper, sophomore




State soccer streak comes to an end in Wildcats’ loss to Hayden

Louisburg coach Kyle Conley hugs his players following the Wildcats’ 1-0 loss to Topeka-Hayden in the Class 4-1A regional championship match Thursday in Louisburg.

Streaks are meant to be broken eventually, and unfortunately for the Louisburg girls soccer team, its streak of four consecutive state final four appearances came to an end.

The Wildcats saw its season come to a close with a 1-0 loss to Topeka-Hayden on Thursday in the Class 4-1A regional championship game in Louisburg. 

The loss was difficult in its own right. Louisburg also had to say goodbye to its seven seniors, and also to its coach — Kyle Conley — who has led the program since its inception.

It was a more somber mood than most losses after the Wildcats saw their season end with a 13-5 record.

“This team did a lot of good things throughout the season,” Conley said. “They never backed down to an opponent. They played for each other and played so hard. I am extremely proud to coach them. They were a very focused and determined group. I am really going to miss these kids.”

Louisburg and Hayden have had their battles in recent years, including a pair of victories that helped Louisburg to the state championship matches.

However, it was Hayden that struck early in this match as Sloane Sims scored the game’s only goal in the first five minutes and Louisburg was unable to answer.

Louisburg senior Reese Johnson crosses the ball into the box Thursday against Hayden.

“It was really tough,” Conley said. “We knew what kind of team they were and how tough they were going to be, but it was just unfortunate we had to play them that early in the playoffs. We faced them twice before in the state semifinal games in 2018 and 2019. Those were incredible games that were fortunate enough to win. This time, I guess it was their turn.”

After Hayden’s early goal, the Wildcats had a few chances to even the score and sophomore Lola Edwards had the best chance with a pair of shots on goal, including one a good save by Hayden keeper Macy Smith.

“I think we were extremely calm after that first goal,” Conley said. “In fact, we may have been a little too calm. We had our heads right and were focused the entire match. I just felt we were going to get one, but it never came.

“We struggled a little finding our feet in the final third, but I really think our press created issues for them. We took advantage of a couple things in their formation, but could capitalize. They are a very tall team that was very aggressive. I think we did a nice job of matching their intensity. It was just a really good game.”

Senior goalie Sierra Hahn makes a diving save for the Wildcats during Thursday’s regional championship game against Hayden.

The Wildcat defense played tough and turned away several Hayden opportunities as senior goalie Sierra Hahn finished the game with five saves.

Hahn, along with Reese Johnson, Ruth Minster, Sammy McDaniel, Catie Lemke, Kassidi Lomax and Bailey Hallas all played their final game for the Wildcats.

Louisburg ended its season with one of the best records in Class 4-1A and Conley knows there is nothing his team should hang their heads about.

Louisburg junior Tehya Harvey heads the ball toward the goal Thursday against Hayden.

“Topeka Hayden is a very talented and physical team,” Conley said. “They play really hard and they are always a tough team to beat. They kept a lot of pressure on us early, but I think the second half our press worked well and caused them problems. Our girls played with so much heart and never backed down. We kept fighting until the last whistle. 

“I told the girls they have nothing to be ashamed of after the game. They left everything on the field. We wanted to honor all the people we came to watch us and honor the crest as well. Honor all the players that played before them. We didn’t want to let anyone down.”

Louisburg did nothing of the sort.




Conley resigns as head soccer coach, takes job at Blue Valley West

Louisburg head boys and girls soccer coach Kyle Conley is stepping down from both programs after seven years. He has led the programs to a combined six state final four appearances.

Louisburg High School head boys and girls soccer coach Kyle Conley is stepping down from his position after seven years.

He was recently hired to lead the boys and girls soccer programs at Blue Valley West, where he will serve as the head coach of both teams.

Conley, who also taught social studies at LHS, informed the players and parents of his decision on May 4. The Blue Valley Board of Education approved his hire on May 9.

“Making the decision to leave Louisburg was extremely difficult,” Conley said. “The players and parents, both past and present, made this decision tough. No parents or players caused this decision. I am very thankful to Mr. (Dave) Tappan and Mr. (Darin) Gagnebin for giving me this opportunity to coach and teach at Louisburg. The amount of support that my teams, my family and I received from Louisburg soccer parents and the community was incredible.”

Conley has the been head girls coach at Louisburg since its inception in 2016 and has led that program to four consecutive state final fours. 

Twice, the Wildcats made the state championship game and finished runner-up on both occasions. He has guided the program to an 82-34-3 record.

Conley took over the boys program in 2016 and finished with a 77-32-3 record. He led the Wildcats to two state final fours during that span, including a third place finish in 2020.

“I am so proud of the things that our student athletes in the soccer programs have accomplished both on and off the soccer field,” Conley said. “I will always cherish the memories that we have made here with the Louisburg soccer programs.”

Conley was named the Class 4-1A Coach of the Year on three different occasions and also earned the Girls Midwest Coach of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches.

Now, Conley will move onto a Blue Valley West program that has won several state championships since its inception in 2001. The move was more than just about soccer, however.

“Blue Valley West provided a teaching atmosphere that is challenging and will push me to be a better educator,” he said. “The opportunity to coach such quality soccer programs, that are rich in history, is just icing on the cake.”




Wildcats roll Ottawa on Senior Night for sixth straight win

Louisburg seniors (from left) Bailey Hallas, Reese Johnson, Kassidi Lomax, Sierra Hahn, Catie Lemke, Ruth Minster and Sammy McDaniel got a win Tuesday on Senior Night as the Wildcats cruised to a 5-1 win over Ottawa.

The Louisburg girls soccer team came into Tuesday’s home match with Ottawa riding a 5-game winning streak.

However, as much as it means to win, the Wildcats had a different agenda on their minds.

It was Senior Night for Louisburg as the Wildcats honored their seven seniors and the parents prior to the contest. The Wildcats wanted to make this night a memorable one.

They did.

Louisburg scored four second half goals and captured its sixth consecutive victory with a 5-1 win over Ottawa. The Wildcats improved their record to 12-3 on the season.

Seniors Bailey Hallas, Reese Johnson, Kassidi Lomax, Sierra Hahn, Catie Lemke, Ruth Minster and Sammy McDaniel got the win they were hoping for.

“I thought everyone stepped up and wanted to play for each other,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “We wanted to play to honor our seniors and the girls wanted to make sure they got a win for them on Senior Night. These are one of the games that you always look back on. It was good for those underclassmen to step up and made sure it was a special night.”

Senior Bailey Hallas throws the ball in Tuesday against Ottawa.

All seven seniors got the start, but found themselves down 1-0 early in the contest as Ottawa scored nine minutes into the match.

That didn’t last long as the Wildcats evened it up three minutes later on a goal from freshman Jaden Bentz and it remained a 1-1 tie going into halftime.

Five minutes into the second half another freshman, Rowan Yows, took a shot close to the 18 and found the back of the net to put Louisburg up, 2-1.

From there, the goals started to come a little easier.

Johnson assisted sophomore Lexi Hampton for a goal a few minutes later and then Lemke got a goal in her final regular season home match to make it, 4-1.

Louisburg freshman Baileigh Johnson (left) gets a hug from her sister, senior Reese Johnson, following Baileigh’s first varsity goal.

Freshman Baileigh Johnson sealed the win with her first varsity goal as the Wildcats were able to empty their bench and give some of their players more experience.

“I thought we just played hard out there,” Conley said. “We got to play 24 kids and it worked out really well. We had a lot of options out there and a lot of them got experience and had fun. They made a lot of memories and that was the most important thing.”

It was a dominating performance from the Wildcats, who controlled possession throughout. Louisburg outshot Ottawa 43-4, and the Wildcat defense, outside of one play, didn’t allow many dangerous opportunities.

The victory put the stamp on what was a memorable night for the seven Wildcat seniors as they prepare for their final postseason run.

“It is a great class and a special group,” Conley said. “They have been through the trials and tribulations and worked hard. Each year it is a special group of kids that turn into the type of ladies you want them to be. They are servant leaders and want to take care of others and work hard every day. You just have to love them. They are good kids.”

Senior Kassidi Lomax pushes the ball up the field Tuesday against Ottawa.

Louisburg will travel to Spring Hill, the Frontier League champion, for a match tonight to conclude the regular season. From there, the Wildcats will focus on doing some damage in the postseason as regional action begins next week.

“It will be (Spring Hill’s) senior night and they are on quite a roll right now,” Conley said. “It is going to be a really tough match and they are extremely talented with two Division I forwards. They have a lot talent and speed and we just have to do our best to prepare.

“As for regionals, we could get the No. 1 or 2 seed, and if that happens, we would get a bye and I think that would help us quite a bit. It is a log jam at the bottom, so we are trying to figure out who we are going to have. The girls are excited for it though.”




Wildcats score four goals in second half to cruise past Bonner Springs

Louisburg sophomore Lola Edwards sneaks a shot past the Bonner Springs keeper for the game’s first goal Thursday at Bonner Springs High School.

BONNER SPRINGS — As Lola Edwards found the back of the net to put Louisburg up early in Thursday’s road contest against Bonner Springs, it appeared the Wildcats were well on their way to an easy win.

It wasn’t quite that easy — at least in the first half anyway.

Bonner Springs rallied to tie the match shortly before halftime and the Wildcats were becoming more frustrated they weren’t converting on their numerous chances.

“The first half I felt we were a little lackadaisical,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “We were just going through the motions. We were not executing very well and struggled to finish. At halftime, we went over the scouting report again and the girls started to play the right way. They were playing fast, moving the ball well and on their front foot. I think we finally showed up and did a great job executing.”

Louisburg sophomore Hailey Sword clears the ball away Thursday against Bonner Springs.

Louisburg took advantage of those opportunities in the second half as it scored four goals en route to a 5-1 victory over the Braves. It was also the fifth consecutive win for the Wildcats.

Sophomore Lexi Hampton scored three of those goals in almost a 10-minute span as she recorded the hat trick and gave the Wildcats a 4-1 advantage in rainy conditions.

“We did a great job of playing faster and knowing when to attack and when to pass,” Conley said. “We moved the ball quick and did a great job of pressing. I think we are a really dangerous team when we put things on goal. It sets the tone and is kind of like a switch for us. It feeds our attack and press. I am excited with how the second half went and our intensity that we played with.”

The Wildcats (11-3) capped the scoring when sophomore midfielder Hailey Sword knocked it in past the Bonner Springs goalie to complete the 5-1 victory.

Sophomore Lola Edwards recorded an assist to go along with her first half score. Senior Reese Johnson also got an assist on a Hampton goal in the second half.

Senior defender Ruth Minster throws the ball in Thursday during the Wildcats’ 5-1 win over Bonner Springs.

Freshmen Rowan Yows and Jaden Bentz, along with Johnson, also had shots on target for the Wildcats.

In all, Louisburg outshot Bonner Springs 22-2 and dominated possession for much of the match.

“I really liked how we attached and moved the ball,” Conley said. “The second half we were aggressive and played fast. When we play like that we are tough to beat.”

Louisburg will end its regular season with a pair of matches this week, including its Senior Night contest tonight against Ottawa. The Wildcats’ final game with be at Spring Hill on Thursday.




Johnson’s golden goal gives Wildcats a double OT win over Basehor-Linwood

Members of the Louisburg girls soccer team mob senior Reese Johnson after she scored the game-winning goal Tuesday against Basehor-Linwood in double overtime.

As Louisburg coach Kyle Conley looked onto the field trying to figure out who he wanted to take the biggest kick of the game, he decided on a senior.

With the match against Basehor-Linwood tied in double overtime, the Wildcats were awarded a penalty kick and Conley gave the nod to senior Reese Johnson.

Johnson wasn’t overly thrilled with the idea.

“Reese isn’t very comfortable taking those, but I am going to push that envelope to see what happens,” Conley said. “I am going to ride our seniors as far we can.

“I just wanted to get her out of her comfort zone. She is a gamer and plays hard and that is what we are looking for.”

Johnson took the penalty kick, and despite a save by the Basehor-Linwood goalie on the first attempt, she put the rebound opportunity away and gave the Wildcats a 2-1 win over the Bobcats.

After it was all over, Johnson appreciated Conley’s trust in her to come through with the game on the line.

“It meant a lot that Conley wanted me to take it,” Johnson said. “He’s believed in me since day one and has given me so many opportunities to show what I’ve got. Knowing that he trusts me with a game-deciding opportunity really means a lot and I’m glad I didn’t let him down.

“Having a coach like Conley who pushes you out of your comfort zone and believes in you is very comforting and makes me wanna work hard every day.”

Louisburg senior Catie Lemke tries to shield a Basehor-Linwood player from the ball Tuesday at home.

It was the fourth consecutive victory for the Wildcats, who just concluded their fourth match in eight days. Tuesday’s home win was the toughest, most rewarding of the four.

“It was a good win,” Conley said. “It was a team that we lost to 2-1 last year and they are a good team this year. I think we were the ones that brought the intensity to them and we were the team to be on the front foot and we were the aggressor and I think that was the difference. We were subbing five or six at a time and they subbed one. Our kids came ready to go and did their job.”

The Wildcats (10-3) came out firing from the opening whistle as they scored two minutes into the match.

Sophomore Lola Edwards got the rebound off a missed shot and put it away to give Louisburg a 1-0 advantage.

Basehor-Linwood tied the match late in the first half and it stayed that way until the second overtime.

Louisburg goalie Sierra Hahn makes a diving save Tuesday during the Wildcats’ match against Basehor-Linwood.

The Wildcats were the aggressor for most of the match as they outshot the Bobcats 19-8 and had 12 shots on target to just four for Basehor.

“We played hard and the adjustments we made on how we were going to play after we scouted Basehor, I think caused some problems for them,” Conley said. “We played really quick and took what they gave us and took advantage of it. We kept attacking and those things paid dividends for us.”

That perseverance paid off as Basehor was called for a handball in the box early in the second overtime and the Wildcats got the break they were looking for.

Johnson took the penalty kick, and despite eventually scoring on the second attempt after the save, the Louisburg senior was a little miffed.

“At first I was not very happy,” Johnson said. “I am very hard on myself even though sometimes I shouldn’t be. I was disappointed my shot was saved the first time, but in the end it found the back of the net and we won that game so that’s all that matters.

“We deserved that win because we outplayed them and had so many opportunities. The team deserved it and Conley deserved it so I am happy that I could be the one to get it for us, even if I did miss the first time.”

Her teammates quickly turned her frown into a bright smile and the Wildcats walked away with their fourth straight win.

Louisburg will try and make it five in a row today as the Wildcats travel to Bonner Springs for a Frontier League matchup.




Week 6 Athlete of the Week: Reese Johnson

Here is the Louisburg Sports Zone Athlete of the Week for week six of the spring sports season, sponsored by Dr. Laura’s Orthodontics.

REESE JOHNSON, SENIOR, GIRLS SOCCER

Louisburg senior Reese Johnson guided the Wildcat girls soccer team in a week that featured three matches in a four-day span. Johnson finished the week with two goals and two assists in wins over Ottawa, Eudora and Lansing — two of which were on the road.

On the season, Johnson has led the Wildcats from her outside midfield spot as she has nine goals and six assists on the season. Louisburg currently has a 10-3 record on the year.

The athlete of the week award is announced every Wednesday morning during the spring season and the winner is selected by Louisburg Sports Zone with the help of nominations from coaches.

Previous Winners

Week 1: Lexi Hampton

Week 2: Sabra Brueggen

Week 3: Emma Lohse

Week 4: Nathan Vincent

Week 5: Mia Wilson




Wildcats record back-to-back shutouts of Eudora, Lansing

Louisburg senior Reese Johnson pushes the ball up field Thursday during the Wildcats’ home contest against Eudora.

LANSING — In the middle of a grueling stretch that has the Louisburg girls soccer team playing four matches in seven days, the Wildcats took the challenge head on of playing Eudora and Lansing on back-to-back days.

The result was a pair of shutout victories.

Louisburg concluded its second game in as many days with a 3-0 shutout of Lansing on the road Friday, that was following a 5-0 victory Thursday over Eudora at home.

“The girls are doing well and starting to see the channels and passing lanes we need them to see,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “They are progressing well and this team is a lot of fun to watch.”

The Wildcats (9-3) got out to a good start against Lansing as freshman Rowan Yows scored the game’s first goal and gave Louisburg a 1-0 advantage at halftime.

In the second half, Lansing was called for a penalty in the box and the Wildcats were awarded a penalty kick. Sophomore Lola Edwards converted the free shot and doubled the Wildcat lead.

Louisburg sophomore Hailey Sword (left) battles a Eudora player for the ball Thursday at home.

Louisburg sealed the victory later in the second half when the Wildcats scored on an own goal and left Lansing with a shutout. Yows led the way with three shots on target, while Edwards and Lexi Hampton each had two.

“That was our third game in four days, so I think our legs were heavy, but we battled and played pretty hard,” Conley said. “We were also able to get a lot of players in the game and I felt we created a lot of opportunities in a very physical game. I think the girls responded well in an hostile environment and played our game. We had the opportunity to play a lot of kids again and try to save a little bit for our game (today) against Basehor-Linwood.”

The Wildcats’ legs looked fresh against Eudora as they dominated the match from the get-go. 

Louisburg controlled possession and had 13 shots on goal. The Wildcats outshot the Cardinals 23-3, while Edwards and senior Reese Johnson each had a pair of goals to pace Louisburg.

“We came out and played pretty well,” Conley said. “We played fast and moved the ball well. We had a lot of opportunities and played pretty hard. It was also nice to be able to play so many kids to try to save some legs for our game Friday against Lansing. I felt we were pretty creative and played with a lot of heart. We were aggressive and played on our front foot. The girls played well.”

Edwards got things started for the Wildcats early in the first half when she scored following a free kick into the box by junior Bree Gassman.

Then late in the first half, Johnson dribbled the ball down the right side and crossed the ball into the box. The pass found the foot of sophomore Hailey Sword, who scored to make a it a 2-0 game at halftime.

Johnson got her chance to score four minutes into the second half when the Wildcats were awarded a penalty kick. The Louisburg senior found the back of the net with a shot to the upper-left corner.

Just a few minutes later, the Wildcats struck again. This time Yows initiated the action by dribbling into the box and crossed it over and Edwards put it away for her second goal of the night.

Midway through the half, Johnson put the game away with her second goal of the match on a shot that tipped off the Eudora goalie’s fingers and into the net.

Defense was a strength for the Wildcats in both games as goalie Sierra Hahn earned the clean sheets. As a team, Louisburg allowed only seven shots between the two games.

Louisburg will try for its fourth straight victory tonight when the Wildcats host Basehor-Linwood. The match is set to begin at 4:30 p.m.




Wildcats blank Ottawa to snap losing streak

Louisburg sophomore Lexi Hampton splits two Ottawa defenders to go up for the ball Tuesday at Ottawa High School.

OTTAWA — Fresh off back-to-back losses, the Louisburg girls soccer team needed something positive to happen.

The Wildcats traveled to Ottawa on Tuesday and left with some of that positivity they were looking for.

Louisburg dominated possession on its way to a 3-0 victory over the Cyclones. Although they would have liked to tally a few more goals, the Wildcats were happy with the win.

“We did alright,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “To be fair, with as many shots as we had, we probably should have had about eight or nine goals. We didn’t capitalize on our breakaways, but the girls are learning. 

“We have two sophomores, a junior and a freshman that played up top today. We are young all over the field and we are seeing that a little bit, but we are still attacking and aggressive. We are pressing a little bit, but the girls are playing hard and that is good to see.”

The match was scoreless midway though the first half, but that all changed thanks to the foot of Louisburg junior Tehya Harvey.

Harvey scored the game’s first goal with 19 minutes remaining in the first half, and then again shortly before halftime to give the Wildcats a 2-0 advantage.

Louisburg junior Tehya Harvey scored two first half goals Tuesday against Ottawa.

Early in the second half, the Wildcats struck again. Senior Reese Johnson pushed the ball down the right side and crossed it into the box and found sophomore Lexi Hampton, who tapped it in for Louisburg’s third goal.

Although it took a little while for the Wildcats to get going, Conley was pleased with his team despite all the different defenses getting thrown at them throughout the season.

“I think we are getting used to how different teams are playing us or running at us,” Conley said. “Are they going to play with five or four in the back? Are they going to play 30 yards behind their midfield like Ottawa did? These learning experiences are big for us to sort out. A lot of these girls don’t play year-round and are just learning on the fly.”

Junior Brylee Diederich pulls back on the ball Tuesday to try and get past an Ottawa defender.

Defensively, the Wildcats limited Ottawa’s chances and allowed goalies Sierra Hahn and Macy Lemke to earn the clean sheet.

Ottawa was the first of four games in seven days for the Wildcats as they enter a grueling part of their schedule. Louisburg will host Eudora tonight in the second game of that stretch.

“Four games in seven days is just ridiculous,” Conley said. “Now we are just focused on Eudora, recover quick and play Lansing on Friday. Then we turn around and get a very good Basehor team on Monday. It is a crazy week, and to be quite honest, we played a lot of kids (Tuesday) because we need to get as much fresh legs as possible. This week should be fun though and I’m looking forward to seeing how the girls will do.”