Girls Soccer Nets 16 Goals In Week Five

The Lady Eagles (4-5) bounced back in week five with two conference routs. They first beat the brakes off Owensville (2-8) 10-2, then dismantled the St. James Tigers (3-6) 6-1. 

Sullivan climbed back into the win column after a tough loss to Festus the week before. 

Head Coach Matt Wiegers praised his players for continuing to fight hard, even after their backs were against the wall. “The team started to gel a lot this week, and it was on full display in how we were able to pass as a team,” he shared. “The girls worked hard to control the midfield, and it was evident in how we matched the assist output with the goals that were scored. Passing is key in this game, but passing as a team is why it is known as the beautiful game!”

The Lady Eagles dominated their first match, shutting down Owensville on the road. They soared past the Dutchgirls, scoring five goals in both halves. 

Sullivan faced a different story when they returned home the following Thursday. At halftime, the Lady Eagles trailed 1-0 to St. James, but Coach Wiegers reassured them that the battle was still far from over. “The number one priority was to be sure that we did not panic,” he explained. “I told them that their biggest obstacle in that half was the wind in our faces. It was a brisk gale-force wind that made putting attempts on goal very difficult, but I knew that once we had the wind at our backs in the second half, our luck would change. 

“The girls took it to heart and turned the corner in the first minute of the second half. Goals came in bunches after we were able to relax as a team.”

The Lady Eagles were also inspired by the community showing up for Kicking and Swinging For a Cure Night. Fans were decked in purple, supporting Coach Brian Immekus in his fight against cancer.

Wiegers remarked, “It was truly heartwarming to look over into the stands and see all of the ‘purple-shirted’ Brian Immekus supporters. The Sullivan community has always stood behind their own, and it was on full display Thursday evening. Fan support is always crucial in sports, but support with meaning can really lift a team. I could feel the girls pick up their game, knowing they wanted to make it a memorable moment for the Immekus family!”

Sullivan 10, Owensville 2

Ava Hayes eclipsed a career-high four assists against Owensville. She led the Lady Eagles with nine shots and eight points. The sophomore also added two goals to Sullivan’s total of ten.

Kloe Greife continued making rookie strides against the Dutchgirls. The freshman set a season-high of 4 points, two goals and two shots.

Jada Adams dominated with four shots, 3 points, a goal and an assist.

Francisca Goudeau fired in the first varsity goal of her career. The freshman also picked up 2 points and two shots.

Ella Kirk, Eden Lambert and Dorie Richardson each logged 2 points, a goal and an assist.

Andi Giebler grabbed 3 points, a goal, an assist and a shot for Sullivan.

Molly Lohden and Addison Wagner both dished out an assist for a point.

Kara Schmidt made her first varsity start as a goalie and stopped two shots.

Sullivan 6, St. James 1

Adams, Hayes and Tessa Newman clawed out the Lady Tigers at the net. They each racked up 5 points, four shots, two goals and an assist.

Kirk put on a clinic with two shots, an assist and a point.

Lambert tallied an assist, a point and a shot.

Giebler set up a score for the Lady Eagles.

Lohden attempted three shots against St. James.

Schmidt held down the fort again as goalkeeper.