“You play better when you’re having fun.”
Simon Kenton freshman Savannah Piper put it simply after scoring her first goal of the season, one of nine the Lady Pioneers tallied in their 8th Region quarterfinal matchup.
Along with the goals came smiles and laughter throughout the match. Simon Kenton had plenty of reasons to celebrate, shutting out Henry County 9-0 and triggering the mercy rule to end the game at halftime Monday night at Chlorine B. Menefee Stadium in Independence.
Seven different players found the back of the net, with all nine goals coming within the first 27 minutes of the match.
Aniah Zembrodt opened the scoring before Piper followed, giving the Lady Pioneers a quick 2-0 lead in the opening eight minutes. Whether it was a usual contributor or a new face on the scoresheet, it was that kind of night for Simon Kenton.
Zembrodt leads the team in goals this season, while Piper had a special moment of her own. Her goal marked her first of the season, and she picked the postseason to do it.
“It feels really good,” Piper said. “I’ve been working all season just to get a goal, and I’m really excited that I was able to get one.”
Olivia Ruprecht and Makenna Due added two goals apiece, while Parker Jacobi, Colby Beaman and Malia Egbers each scored once.
The Lady Pioneers finished with 27 shots, putting 12 on goal, while limiting Henry County to just one shot.
Monday’s win marks the third consecutive season Simon Kenton has advanced beyond the regional quarterfinals. While the draw looks different this year, head coach Hillary Johnson said the team’s approach remained the same: play efficiently, be aggressive and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
“Last year’s draw was not great for us,” Johnson said. “It was definitely a different draw this year, but the message was we had to be efficient with our technical skill, being aggressive and putting it away so we can move on.”
Now, the Lady Pioneers turn their attention to a familiar opponent and a chance to rewrite last year’s ending.
Simon Kenton will face South Oldham in Wednesday’s 8th Region semifinals, a rematch of last season’s regional championship. The Lady Pioneers fell 2-1 in double overtime in that contest, leaving them with unfinished business heading into this year’s matchup.
The semifinal is scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday at Grant County.
LADY PIONEERS 9, LADYCATS 0
SIMON KENTON — 9-x — 9
HENRY COUNTY — 0-x — 0
Game Stats
Goals: (SK) Zembrodt 3′, Piper 8′, Ruprecht 10′, Ruprecht 11′, Due 12′, Jacobi 18′, Due 24′, Beaman 25′, Egbers 27′
Assists: (SK) Cunningham 2, Goetz, Howard, Meyer, Piper, Sketch
Shots (On Goal): Simon Kenton 27 (12), Henry County 1 (0)
Saves: Simon Kenton 0 (Doherty), Henry County 3 (McBurney)
Corner Kicks: Simon Kenton 5, Henry County 0
Fouls: Simon Kenton 2, Henry County 0
Offsides: Simon Kenton 0, Henry County 0
Records: Simon Kenton 14-5-3, Henry County 4-10
