Park Hill junior goalkeeper Maggie Peterson gets a save in the Lady Trojan’s shut out win over Platte County on April 23.
PLATTE CITY – In a span of 72 hours, Park Hill (4-10) was tasked with taking on two soccer teams within the county, beating Platte County (3-7) and losing to Park Hill South (15-1).
Park Hill knocked down a goal in each half to take down Platte County 2-0 on April 23. That made it three wins out of four games for the Lady Trojans who had a 1-8 record prior.
Although only two goals were scored, there were several scoring opportunities on both sides. Platte County had a look that went just to the right in the opening minute, followed by three attempts by Park Hill before converting one.
Alyssa Estanich had a corner kick in the eighth minute and Lydia Keller got contact with her head and the ball sailed over the goal to the right. Maryn Hudson had a shot on goal in the ensuing minute, along with a header that was saved by Platte County goalkeeper Finley Kaser in the 14th minute.
With right over 20 minutes on the first half clock, Park Hill sophomore Gabrielle Gernigin had a cross from deep left of the goal and crossed it to Katelynn Young who was right in front of the goal. The senior didn’t hesitate, using a left-footed kick to lob the ball over Kaser’s outstretched arms to find the back of the net.
Platte County had some chances in the next two minutes, most notably a shot on goal from 12 yards out by Lily Kytasaari that was aimed toward the bottom right corner of the goal and Park Hill goalkeeper Maggie Peterson dove to claim another save. Keller had a pair of shots deflected in the 28th minute and Layla Nelson had a shot on goal as the Lady Trojans went into the half up 1-0.
Platte County came out aggressive in the second half, starting with an attempt by Brooklynne Jenni within three minutes that went to the left and Kytasaari had back-to-back shots deflected by a defender. After a failed corner kick by the home team, Park Hill got the possession back on its side and put the game out of reach with 22:49 to play.
A pair of headers by Laurel Barton and Nelson away from the goal landed the ball 30 yards out to Hudson who let it rip well past midfield. Jovie Lavin chased it down at the opposing 25-yard line just as Kaser was running out to it and the Lady Trojan barely beat her opponent to the ball, getting a wide-open look and kicked it softly to roll in for the final score of the night.
Park Hill was rewarded with its first winning streak of the season, but it didn’t last long. Park Hill South took down the rivals 3-0 on April 25.
Olivia Clemons scored or assisted on all three as her goal was off a pass from Lauren Dittmer. Freshman Aubrey Bryant and junior Lily DiBernardo were responsible for the other two goals.
That was the fifth straight win for the Lady Panthers – including a 2-0 victory over Lee’s Summit North (7-3) off goals from Clemons and DiBernardo on April 23. Through 16 games, they have won more games than they did in six of the last seven seasons in totality.
With three games left in regular season play, Park Hill South will host Liberty (5-12) and Park Hill will head to Lee’s Summit North on May 2. Following another loss, a 2-1 defeat to Pembroke Hill (5-10) on April 29, Platte County only has one game ahead of the Class 3 District 8 Tournament – a White Division road matchup with Grain Valley (12-3) on May 7.