A tightly contested match needed extra time to decide a winner, and Festus capitalized late to slip past Perryville 3-2 in overtime on April 23 at The Bank of Missouri Soccer Complex in Perryville.
The Lady Pirates (7-4) jumped out early, taking a 2-1 lead after the first half, but Festus responded with a goal in the second half and the game-winner in overtime to secure the victory.
Festus improved to 9-2-1 overall with the win.
Addi Cupp led Festus offensively with 2 goals, including the overtime winner, finishing with 4 points on 3 shots. Kaylin Brewer added a goal on 3 shots, while Autumn Willis contributed 2 assists as Festus generated consistent pressure.
Festus goalkeeper Josie Hensley proved to be the difference-maker, recording 14 saves while allowing 2 goals for a .875 save percentage, repeatedly denying Perryville scoring chances.
Perryville coach Dwayne Hadler said Hensley’s performance was a major factor in the outcome.
“Their keeper kept them in it for sure,” Hadler said. “She made a good number of pretty clutch saves — at least 3 that most high school keepers wouldn’t get.”
Perryville controlled much of the early play, building a 2-1 advantage, but was unable to extend the lead despite several opportunities.
Hadler noted the significance of the result given the recent history between the two programs. Thursday’s game marked only the second time had beaten Perryville since 2017 and the first time the Lady Tigers had scored a goal against the Lady Pirates since 2018. Perryville leads the series 17-2.
“They’ve gotten a lot better,” Hadler said, “and their program has really improved. [Coach Aaron Portell] has done a great job with him. He came on a couple years ago and really changed their program.”
Momentum shifted in the second half when Festus earned and converted a penalty kick to tie the match at 2-2.
“The PK really changed the game,” Hadler said. “That gave them hope, and once they had that, their effort and desire increased.”
The teams remained deadlocked through the remainder of regulation before Festus found the deciding goal in overtime.
Hadler said the Lady Pirates were also battling fatigue, playing their third game of the week.
“You could see the fatigue in our legs for sure,” he said.
Despite that, he praised the effort of his midfield unit, particularly Maddie Gremaud and Emma Blechle.
“Their effort today was really good,” Hadler said. “They’ve worked hard and didn’t get much subbing earlier in the week, so I know they were tired.”
Festus’ physical style of play also impacted Perryville’s rhythm as the match wore on.
“Their defense was very physical and aggressive,” Hadler said. “That can take you out of your game, and I think it did at times.”
Even in defeat, Hadler saw positives in his team’s performance.
“We had chances,” he said. “We just couldn’t capitalize enough of them.”
Perryville 8, De Soto 0
DE SOTO — Perryville erupted for 5 first-half goals and never looked back in an 8-0 victory over De Soto on April 22.
The Lady Pirates (7-4) controlled the match from the outset, adding 3 more goals after halftime while holding De Soto scoreless.
Brynn Wibbenmeyer led the offensive surge with 2 goals and 1 assist for 5 points, including the game-winning goal. Maddi Cissell, Ava Ernst and Maysa Schindler each finished with 1 goal and 1 assist, while Emma Blechle, Kaeli Klaus and Irma Raymundo also found the back of the net.
Madeleine Gremaud contributed 2 assists as Perryville’s balanced attack accounted for 8 goals on the night.
Lillian Cowell earned the win in goal, recording a shutout in 63 minutes of action.
Perryville 8, North County 2
BONNE TERRE — A dominant offensive performance powered Perryville to an 8-2 win over North County on April 21.
The Lady Pirates (7-4) built a 5-1 lead at halftime and added 3 more goals in the second half to secure the victory.
Ava Ernst delivered a standout performance, scoring 5 goals and adding an assist for 11 points, including the game-winning goal. Maysa Schindler added a goal and 3 assists, while Lauren Sattler finished with 1 goal and 1 assist.
Ezveidy Antonio chipped in a goal, and Emma Blechle and Maddi Cissell each recorded an assist as Perryville’s offense remained in control throughout.
Lillian Cowell picked up the win in goal, allowing 2 goals over 80 minutes.
