Soccer team jumps back on winning track

SIKESTON -- After Tuesday's disappointing loss at Marion, Sikeston soccer team turned things around on Wednesday to beat Kennett 4-1.

"We improved a lot from last night," said Sikeston coach Derrick Long. "We put a couple of new guys in our defense, and it worked out for us."

Sikeston keepers Chris Cota and Chris Erlenbusch combined for six saves as the Bulldog defense allowed just seven shots on goal.

"We got a big game from Brandon DeWitt and Adam Hahs," said Long. "We controlled the midfield the whole game, and usually the team that does that gets more scoring opportunities."

DeWitt scored Sikeston's first goal at the 14-minute mark off an assist from Stephen Pobst. Adam Garrett scored off a Tanner Fritz assist at 36 minutes, then Lance Rhodes scored off a Garrett assist to give Sikeston a 3-0 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Garrett scored his second goal of the match off an assist from Ben F. Marshall. Kennett's Steve Sickes scored Kennett's only goal at the 74-minute mark.

"We should've had more goals, but winning by three is still a big win for us," said Long. "We played a lot better today, but there is still a lot we need to work on."

The Bulldogs (2-3) will be back in action today, traveling to Notre Dame for a 5:30 p.m. match.

Sikeston won Wednesday's junior varsity match over Kennett 6-0. Sikeston saw goals from Kyle Howard, Ross Gelsheimer, John Robert Bizzell, and Lance Rhodes. Keeper Jake Marsh pitched the shutout.