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 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.

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.