Larks 1-1 in week of tough road matches

The Larks were on the road twice this week to face NJCAA opponents at Neosho County Community College (Chanute, Kan.) and Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College. Saturday’s game at Neosho was a back and forth affair with both teams having their spell of possession. The first half saw Neosho get seven shots on goal with Vivi Rodriguez up to the task, saving all seven. Conversely Hesston College only was able to squeak out two shots but the breakthrough came for the Larks in the 18th minute. Paige Baucom jumped on a loose ball and finished giving the Larks a 1-0 lead which they took into halftime.

The Larks controlled the second half but the game was not put away until late. With 10 minutes left, Dakoda Lee found herself on the end of a great pass from Kenzie Johnson and finished, putting the Larks up 2-0. A third came from Connor Atkinson just three minutes later. The game finished 3-0 in Hesston College’s favor.

Wednesday night the Larks traveled to face Region VI perennial powerhouse Hutchinson Blue Dragons which opened up their NJCAA Region VI campaign. Scoring twice in each half, Hutchinson was able to take advantage of several Larks mistakes and put away the game. The Hesston goalkeepers combined for 16 saves.

The Larks will get their second test in Region VI on Saturday at home. The Pratt Community College Beavers will be at Hesston College for a 5 p.m. kickoff.