The girls soccer team began their season with a 3-1 victory over Olathe North on Friday, March 29. Senior midfielder Kayla Hamner led the team to the win with all three of the team’s goals.

Hamner opened the scoring only a minute into the game with a strike from 30 yards out that sailed over the hands of the North keeper.

North seemed to wake up after the early goal and the two teams remained deadlocked going into the second half. Hamner finished again seven minutes into the second half on an open goal from just outside the six yard box after a cross from junior midfielder Amanda Dotts.

Soon after the second goal, North put the pressure on and had a series of close chances but saves by sophomore goalkeeper Kaia Minter denied the Eagles until forward Winnie Luginbill found space in front of goal and beat Minter.

The game began to get physical as North fought for the equalizing goal late in the game. After a yellow card was issued to each team, Hamner finished the game with another long distance shot – this one from 25 yards with eight minutes left.

Hamner, despite the good result, saw room for improvement.

“We have a lot of work to do, especially since we haven’t been able to practice outside much,” Hamner said. “But I think we did some really good things with the new [4-2-3-1] formation.”

After success in their first game, Hamner was optimistic about the rest of the season.

“I think we should do as well as we did last year if we can play to our full potential,” Hamner said.

The team finished second in the state tournament last year after a loss to St. Thomas Aquinas in the championship game.

The Lady Jags play again Monday, April 1 at home against Tonganoxie and Thursday, April 4 at home against Piper.