Marion stuns SHS

~Soccer: Marion, Ill., 4; Sikeston 1

SIKESTON - The Sikeston Lady Bulldogs had another tough test on Thursday night at the Sikeston Sports Complex against the Marion, Ill., Lady Wildcats.

A day after falling 5-1 to Notre Dame on the road, Sikeston took it on the chin at home to Marion, 4-1.

Three unanswered second half goals by the Lady Wildcats was too much for the Lady Bulldogs to overcome. Earlier in the season in the Noon Optimist Tournament at Cape Central, Marion defeated Sikeston 1-0 in the finals. It was different story on Thursday.

"All we have been playing lately is very solid teams," said Sikeston head coach Derrick Long. "I was pleased with our fire and intensity tonight. I haven't seen that in awhile. Marion didn't pass any better than we did, but they had the scorers up top. The girls fought hard for 80 minutes and that is all you can ask for."

Sikeston's Megan Underhill handles the ball in the first half of Thursday's game against Marion, Ill.

Sikeston's Megan Underhill handles the ball in the first half of Thursday's game against Marion, Ill.

Marion (9-1-2) jumped out quickly on the Lady Bulldogs, scoring their first goal in the first two minutes of the contest. Marion put in a header past Sikeston goalie Amber Minner on an assist by junior Jessie Crabtree.

Sikeston returned the favor on a goal by sophomore Abbi Keefer at the 25-

minute mark. Keefer beat a couple of Lady Wildcat defenders on the baseline and with little angle to work with, shot the ball past Marion keeper Michelle Lazorchak. Fellow sophomore Arriane MacGillvray was credited with the assist.