Ava Ernst turned in a dominant performance on April 6, powering Perryville to a 7-3 victory over Cape Girardeau Central.
Ernst accounted for 5 goals and 2 assists as the Lady Pirates improved to 4-1 on the season. Perryville built a 4-1 halftime lead and added 3 more goals in the second half to pull away.
Emma Blechle added a goal and an assist, while Maysa Schindler also found the back of the net. Reese Behrle and Brynn Wibbenmeyer each contributed an assist, and Madeline Gremaud added another helper in the balanced offensive effort.
Perryville coach Dwayne Hadler said the performance was especially encouraging as it marked the first time the Lady Pirates had close to a full lineup available.
“We were a little bit disjointed at first, but it got better as the game went along,” Hadler said. “This is the first game we’ve had everybody back, and that really bodes well for us moving forward.”
Ernst was nearly unstoppable throughout the match, consistently creating chances off the dribble and finishing in a variety of ways.
“She’s really putting it together this year,” Hadler said. “You’re seeing the confidence to go at people and attack, and she can create opportunities for herself and her teammates.”
According to Hadler, even the opposition took notice of Ernst’s impact.
“The Cape Central coach told me they didn’t have a way to stop her,” he said. “She’s so good off the dribble and just keeps coming at you.”
One of Ernst’s 5 goals came on a header off a set play, with Behrle delivering the assist.
In addition to the scoring output, Hadler highlighted the work of his midfield, particularly Blechle and Gremaud, who helped control possession and transition play.
“They don’t always get the recognition, but they’re the key,” Hadler said. “They’re the ones connecting everything from defense to offense, and they’ve been playing really well.”
Defensively, Perryville limited Cape Girardeau Central’s chances, with goalkeeper Lillian Cowell recording the win after allowing 3 goals.
The victory continued a strong start for the Lady Pirates, who have now scored 14 goals while allowing 11 through their first 5 matches.
With a full lineup back in place and Ernst leading a potent attack, Perryville appears to be gaining momentum early in the season
