Larks end season on a high note, defeat Cloud County 4-3.
The Hesston College women’s soccer team registered a 4-3 win in their season finale against Cloud County (Kan.) Community College, finishing with a 4-14-1 record.
The two teams remained scoreless for much of the first half until sophomore Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) knocked in a goal with five minutes remaining before halftime. Schrock was far from done, as she would close her Hesston career with one of her best games.
Just 3:38 into the second half, Hesston doubled its lead to 2-0 when freshman forward Andrea Amos (Wichita, Kan.) scored on an assist from Schrock. Following a Cloud County goal, Schrock again found the net, this time courtesy of assists from freshman Brittany Albrecht (Sebewaing, Mich.) and Kaitlin Schmucker (Sacramento, Calif.).
With less than 12 minutes to play in regulation, Cloud County scored again to close the gap to 3-2. It didn’t take long for Hesston to respond, however, as Schrock recorded the hat trick at the 38:32 mark. Hesston’s fourth goal, assisted by Amos, proved to be the game winner.
Sophomore keeper Meredith Weaver recorded seven saves in the net for Hesston, recording the tenth win in her career. Schrock, meanwhile, ends her career with 23 goals and 11 assists, tops for a women’s soccer player in both categories during the brief history of the program.
“It was good to win our last game of the season, added Hostetler. “The girls have been working hard and continually improving. Prior to tonight, the last four games have been close losses by just one goal each. It's much better to come out with a one goal win finally.”
Larks fall in final game of fall break trip
The Hesston College women’s soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M on Monday night, putting their overall record at 3-14-1 on the year.
“I felt we played well tonight, said Coach Kurt Hostetler. “We had several chances during the first half to score but were just unable to find the net.” After surrendering a late first-half goal on a corner kick, freshman Brittany Albrecht (Sebewaing, Mich.) tied the game midway through the second half following a steal at the top of NEO’s penalty box. A second goal via a cornerkick by the home team would prove to be the difference, however, as the Larks were held in check the remainder of the match.
Sophomore Meredith Weaver stopped 11 shots in goal for Hesston.
The Larks return home for their season finale as they host Cloud County (Kan.) Community College on Thursday, October 23, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Late goal by Cowley County drops Larks
The Hesston College women's soccer team lost a tough 1-0 decision to Cowley County (Kan.) Community College on Friday night, dropping their overall record to 3-13-1.
The Larks had a few great chances to score throughout the match, as two of Hesston's shots hit the goalpost. Hesston was held scoreless, however, and Cowley managed the winning goal in the game's 86th minute to give the Tigers the win.
"I thought we played a good game for the most part," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "These are tough games, when you play hard and create several good opportunities, then give away an easy goal in the dying minutes."
Hesston continues its fall break road trip when they take on Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Monday, October 20. Game time is set for 2 p.m.
Larks start fast, but can't hold on in 4-3 loss
The Hesston College women's soccer team dropped a 4-3 decision to Western Nebraska Community College Tuesday night, dropping their overall record to 3-12-1 on the year.
Two first half goals gave Hesston a 2-0 lead at the break, but the visiting Cougars outscored the Larks 4-1 in the last 45 minutes to sneak away with the win.
Freshman Andrea Amos (Wichita, Kan.) scored on an assist from freshman Melina Hunsberger (Hollsopple, Kan.) to give the Larks a 1-0 lead in the 16 minute. Five minutes before the half, sophomore Kaitlin Schmucker (Sacramento, Calif.) scored on a nice one touch assist from Amos, giving Hesston the early cushion.
Following two WNCC goals, freshman Brittany Albrecht (Sebewaing, Mich.) scored to again give the Larks the lead. Two late goals by the visitors in the final 11 minutes provided the difference.
"We played and defended well in the first half," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "Unfortunately, we couldn't keep them out of the goal down the stretch."
Sophomore keeper Meredith Weaver recorded eight saves in the goal for Hesston.
The Larks return to action on Friday, October 17, when they travel to Arkansas City, Kansas, for a match against Cowley County Community College.
Larks use balanced attack to record 4-0 shutout win
Four different players scored for Hesston College as the Larks defeated Allen County (Kan.) Community College 4-0 on Thursday night in Hesston.
Just 2:15 into the first half, freshman forward Andrea Amos (Wichita, Kan.) put Hesston on the board with a goal that set the tone for the Larks offense.
Sophomore Tomomi Shimoda (Yamato, Kanagawu, Japan) knocked in a goal with 20 minutes left in the half to increase the lead. Assisted by Amos on the play, Shimoda's goal gave Hesston a two goal advantage headed into the break.
"The girls showed that they were ready to play by scoring in the opening minutes," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "We've been working hard in practice and now it's starting to pay off."
As the second half started, the Larks offense again wasted little time making noise, with sophomore Kaitlin Schmucker (Sacramento, Calif.) scoring off assists from Amos and Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa).
The Larks weren't done yet, however, and with 18:02 left in the match Schrock got on the board herself after weaving through the Allen County defense and blasting a shot to the back left corner of the net to set the final score. Schrock's goal was assisted by freshman Jena Schwartzentruber (Goshen, Ind.), who had earlier assisted Amos in the games first goal.
Sophomore keeper Meredith Weaver (Akron, Pa.) saved two shots on goal to record the shutout.
"Tonight's game was a great win for us," added Hostetler. "I'm hopeful these back-to-back wins are a start of a late run at the end of our season."
The victory improves Hesston to 3-10-1 on the year. Following an off day on Friday, the Larks make the trip to western Kansas to take on Garden City Community College this Saturday, October 11, starting at 2 p.m.
Larks notch important road win at Independence
The Hesston College women's soccer team returned from Independence (Kan.) Community College the winners of a 3-2 decision in district play.
The Larks were the aggressors in the first half, scoring twice to build a 2-1 lead at the break. Independence fought back however, and tied the game 10 minutes into the second half before a Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) goal in the 63rd minute gave the Larks the win. The winning goal, Schrock's sixth on the season, was assisted by freshman Brittany Albrecht (Sebewaing, Mich).
"This was a win we needed," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "I'm glad to have netted several goals today and come out on top."
Following an early Independence goal, freshman forward Andrea Amos (Wichita, Kan) put the Larks on the board courtesy of an assist by fellow freshman Andrea Birky (Colorado Springs, Colo.).
In the 33rd minute, Albrecht gave Hesston a 2-1 advantage with an unassisted goal.
For the game, Hesston outshot Independence 7-5, with sophomore keeper Meredith Weaver (Akron, Pa) notching three saves to record the win.
The win improves Hesston to 2-10-1 on the year, with a home date against Allen County (Kan.) Community College coming up on Thursday, October 9, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Johnson County speed, size, too much for Larks
The Hesston College women's soccer team dropped an 11-0 decision to the visiting Cavaliers of Johnson County (Kan.) Community College on Wednesday night, putting the Larks overall record at 1-10-1.
"Johnson County is a fast team with good ball skills," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "Our girls played hard and battled through a game in which we were really tested."
Sophomore forward Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) registered the lone shot on goal for Hesston, while sophomore keeper Meredith Weaver (Akron, Pa.) stopped 21 shots on the night.
The Larks are off until Saturday, October 4, when they travel to Independence, Kansas, for a match with district rival Independence Community College. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m.
Visiting Barton County (Kan.) CC too much for Larks
Playing shorthanded, the Hesston College women's soccer team struggled to stay with Barton County (Kan.) CC, falling 8-1 in district play.
The lone Hesston goal came on a Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) penalty kick at the 29:26 mark of the second half. Schrock's initial shot was saved, but she converted on the rebound to make the score 5-1.
"I felt we played well against Barton, they're a tough team and we hung with them for most of the game," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "Because of injuries we had to make some adjustments on defense. I thought Jessica Herschberger (Shipshewana, Ind.) did a great job at sweeper, which is not her normal position."
Hesston narrowly missed getting on the board early when a shot by sophomore Kaitlin Schmucker (Sacramento, Calif.) hit of the right goalpost.
The Larks travel to Coffeyville (Kan.) CC Thursday night, September 18, for a district match beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Strong second half propels Larks to first win of season
Sophomore forward Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) scored two second half goals against Metropolitan (Mo.) CC Blue River and the Hesston College women's soccer team held on for a 2-1 victory to record its first win of the year.
After falling behind 1-0 nine minutes into the first half the Larks were the aggressors, playing much of the game on the MCC side of the field. With 12:15 left before the half, freshman Andrea Amos (Wichita, Kan.) just missed tying the game as her shot sailed two feet over the crossbar from 30 feet out. In the second half, however, Hesston would have several more scoring opportunities.
On an assist from freshman midfielder Brittany Albrecht (Sebewaing, Mich.), Schrock put the Larks on the board ten minutes into the second half with a powerful shot that found the back of the net from 15 yards out.
The two teams battled for the lead for the next 20 minutes, and with 12:12 left to play Schrock scored again. With a 2-1 lead, Hesston continued to play well as the clock counted down. In the 82nd minute, MCC Blue River looked to have a chance to tie the game, but keeper Meredith Weaver (Akron, Pa.) made an aggressive move out of the box to snuff out the scoring chance, preserving the lead.
Now 1-4 on the season, Hesston returns to action September 16 with a home date against Barton County CC. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.
Larks unable to find the net early, fall 5-2
The Hesston College women's soccer team was unable to overcome an early deficit and despite two second half goals found themselves on the wrong end of a 5-2 game.
"We had several first half scoring opportunities," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "Converting on a few of them would have made a huge difference in this game."
Finding themselves in a 5-0 hole late in the second half, the Larks refused to give up. At the 8:39 mark, sophomore Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) got Hesston on the board. Using an assist from freshman Brittany Albrecht (Sebewaing, Mich.), Schrock lofted a shot over the goalie to close the gap to 5-1.
Minutes later, freshman Andrea Amos (Wichita, Kan.) scored on a deflected crossing pass that just trickled past the keeper into the corner of the goal.
"Something I love about these girls is they never give up," said Hostetler. "We could have folded after their last goal, but we didn't and that's something to build on."
The Hesston women look for their first win of the season as they host Metropolitan (Mo.) CC Blue River on Wednesday, September 10, starting at 4:00 p.m.
Larks brave nasty conditions in loss at Butler County
On a miserable night for soccer, the Hesston College women's team dropped a 10-0 decision to the Butler County (Kan.) CC Grizzlies.
"It was a rough day for us," commented Coach Kurt Hostetler. "The weather was definitely a factor; it was cold, windy, and rainy, which didn't help us at all against a good Butler team."
Sophomore goaltender Meredith Weaver (Akron, Pa.) was tested all night, recording 16 saves in the loss.
"Despite the outcome, I was impressed with how hard our team continued to work," said Hostetler. "We can use this as a learning experience and move forward from here."
Hesston hosts Metropolitan (Kansas City, Mo.) CC Maple Woods this Saturday. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.
Western Texas uses athleticism, depth, to get past Hesston
Western Texas showed off its team speed and athleticism during the first half against Hesston College, scoring four goals in the first 30 minutes en route to a victory over the host Larks (4-0).
Freshman Peta-Gaye Soman scored on a crossing pass from 20 feet out at the 32:56 mark to get things started for the visiting Westerners. Another freshman, forward Stacy Ann Johnson, added two goals of her own in the first half to put the game out of reach.
“We came out slow and gave away a few early goals, but I was pleased with the way we responded,” said Coach Kurt Hostetler. “I thought we played much better in the second half; we executed well as a team and gave better effort.”
Sophomore keeper Meredith Weaver (Akron, Pa.) recorded four saves in the loss.
The Larks look to earn their first win of the season this Saturday, Sept. 6, when they host Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Maple Woods from Kansas City, Mo. at 5:30 p.m.
Garden City CC defeats Hesston in home opener
Two late first half goals by Garden City (Kan.) CC forward Mary Jones propelled the visiting Broncbusters to a 5-1 win over the host Larks.
The two teams remained scoreless for the first ten minutes before sophomore Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) worked her way through the Garden City defense and knocked in the first goal of the young season to give Hesston a 1-0 lead. Freshman Andrea Birky (Colorado Springs, Colo.) assisted on the play. Garden City answered with a goal by forward Melvi Ojeda at the 32:37 mark of the first half.
For the day, Garden City outshot Hesston 19-3, with Larks goaltender Meredith Weaver (Akron, Pa.) recording 14 saves.
"We played well at times, but couldn't sustain our effort for 90 minutes," Coach Kurt Hostetler said. "Garden City got after it a little better than we did, but there were certainly a lot of positives that we'll take with us."
The Larks return to the field on Saturday, August 30, as they host Western Texas at 5:30 p.m.
Following inaugural 6-6 campaign, Larks looks for encore in second season
Team experience will be key coming into the second season in the short history of Hesston College women’s soccer. Although the roster will be small, quality players return, as well as several key newcomers to this year’s team. The middle of the field, as well as the keeper position, should be the team’s strength.
Many impact players from last season are gone, including second team all-region forward Megan Gongwer, defensive stopper Jessica Byerly, sweeper Janell Maust, outside defender Stephanie Kanagy, and midfielder Brittany King. Replacing the majority of the team’s defense will be a top priority for Coach Kurt Hostetler, who is confident the incoming freshmen will be able to fill the void.
A returning player who will be counted on throughout the season is midfielder Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa), last year’s team leader in assists. Other returnees include outside defender Heidi Baker (Mohnton, Pa.), midfielder Kaitlin Schmucker (Sacramento, Calif.), and goalie Meredith Weaver (Akron, Pa.).
“Having Megan back in the middle will be an advantage for the girls playing next to her,” said Hostetler. “She made a huge difference last year and we’re excited to see what she and the rest of the sophomores will do in their second year.”
Key freshmen expected to make an immediate impact are midfielders Brittany Albrecht (Sebewaing, Mich.), Jena Schwartzentruber (Goshen, Ind.), and Andrea Amos (Wichita, Kan.), and defender Jessica Herschberger (Goshen, Ind.)
“I was pleasantly surprised with last year’s team,” said Hostetler. “We didn’t have many expectations coming into the year, so this year definitely has a different feel to it. We are anxious to take the next step for the program.”
This year’s Homecoming Weekend features games against McPherson College JV on September 26, as well as a Sunday night region VI matchup against Hutchinson CC. The Larks schedule is highlighted by several other region games, including an early season date at Butler County CC on September 3 and an October 1 home contest against Johnson County CC.
“We’ll have to play well to reach our goals of making the playoffs this year,” commented Hostetler. “Achieving a winning record is another goal of ours.