Second half stand gives Lady Bulldogs 3-2 win over Massac

sports@standard-democrat.com

SIKESTON -- After watching his team give up the lead twice during the first 32 minutes of Monday's contest against Massac County, Ill., Sikeston head coach Gabe Dement challenged his defense for a better second half.

The result was a scoreless final 40 minutes that allowed the Lady Bulldogs to hold on to a late first half goal for a 3-2 win over the Patriots.

"In the first half we looked like we were scared to challenge the ball," Sikeston head coach Gabe Dement said. "We were backing up and kind of on our heels. I challenged them at halftime and let them know, if we shut them out in the second half we're going to win no matter what.

"I said I need you to be vocal and confident. They were able to keep them out of the goal in the second half."

Massac (2-2-1) never took the lead against the Lady Bulldog's but answered quickly on each of Sikeston's first two goals. Sophomore Claudea Kuykendall put the Lady Bulldogs on the board just 10 minutes into the game off an assist from freshman Laryssa McClellon.

Just 10 minutes later, at the 20 minute mark, a shot from Massac senior Abigail Hosman knotted things back up, 1-1.

Sophomore Kendall Moore one again put Sikeston ahead, off a corner kick from freshman Grace Hamra, with 9:43 left in the half, but once again answered.

Sikeston freshman Grace Hamra sends a shot downfield against Massac County, Ill., on Monday at the Sikeston Sports Complex. (Brent Shipman Photo)

Sikeston freshman Grace Hamra sends a shot downfield against Massac County, Ill., on Monday at the Sikeston Sports Complex. (Brent Shipman Photo)

Less than a minute after Moore's goal, Massac junior Emily Hoard found the net to negate the Lady Bulldogs' go-ahead shot and tie things 2-2.

"I tell them within the first two minutes (after a goal) not to get down," Patriots' head coach Brock Frazier said. "When they score you have two minutes. A lot of times the other teams are celebrating.

"They're down and not ready for you to attack immediately like that. We took advantage of it and answered right back."

Luckily for the Lady Bulldogs, Kuykendall wasn't finished with her impressive night and surprised Massac's defense with 5:43 left before the break. Taking a deep pass from junior Kyra Rainwater, Kuykendall got past a pair of Patriot defenders and had a one-on-one opportunity with the goal keeper.

Kuykendall beat the diving keeper low to giver her team a 3-2 advantage that stood at the break.

"Both her chances were off of good diagonal through balls," Dement said of Kuykendall. "Her second one was just a nice through ball by Kyra Rainwater. She just took it straight at the goal and finished it in the corner.

"You hope your team can come back in the face of adversity and score a goal. Claudia was clutch in that situation."

Both team's had opportunities in the second half, but neither was able to capitalize.

The win moves Sikeston just one game under the .500 mark at 3-4. They'll get a chance to even their record when they travel to Fredericktown tonight.