Ark Valley News - Hornets return to full strength

Sydney Martens slides to defend an attack by Salina South May 15.

Hornets return to full strength
By Jeremiah Strunk
Last Updated: May 18, 2017

After the Valley Center High School soccer team ended the regular season with a record of 10-4-1, the Hornets went on to win the opening game of regionals against Salina South May 15. With the win, Valley Center will play at Maize May 20 for the chance to move into next week's Class 5A state quarterfinals.

Valley was originally scheduled to play Campus May 11, but the game was canceled due to severe weather.

Valley beat Salina South, 7-0, at home.

"The girls came out like they wanted to prove something," said head coach Steen Danielsen. "It was just constant productive play."

It didn't take the Hornets long to find a hole in Salina South's defense. In the fifth minute, Jadyn Eddy scored for the early lead.

The Hornets maintained pressure to produce more scoring opportunities.

Eight minutes later Valley's lead increased to 2-0 after Salina South mistakenly scored an own goal.

In the 21st minute, Ariel Wolff made it 3-0 by sending the ball to the back of the net from the right of the box.

Valley scored one more goal in the first half, this time by Emma Girtz, assisted by Eddy.

At the start of the second half the Hornets played a little slower, but it didn't stop them from producing goals.

Sammy Boese scored the first goal of the half in the 45th minute, increasing Valley's lead to 5-0.

Salina South produced a scoring opportunity, but Bethany Reeves was able to make the save and clear the ball.

Valley scored two more goals during the half, another from Boese and one from Jessica Sharp.

"We were full strength and we were playing very productive," Danielsen said. "We got a chance to feel what the team is fully capable of."

Valley will play at Maize on May 18. The state quarterfinals are May 23.