C3D1: Sikeston exacts revenge, ousts Hillsboro in district opener

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Sikeston secured a 4-1 victory over Hillsboro Hawks in the opening round of the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Tournament at Cape Central High School on Saturday, May 11.

This win not only avenged an earlier 1-0 loss to the Lady Hawks (9-10-1) but also marked the Lady Bulldogs’ (12-12) first postseason victory since 2017.

“I thought it was our best game of the season,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement. “We created many good opportunities and played very strong defensively. I was most proud of our response to going behind early in the match.”

Despite trailing early, Sikeston quickly responded when Kennedi Sims, with a burst of speed down the middle, received a perfectly placed pass from Landri Hammontree to create a breakaway finish, leveling the score at 1-1.

The Lady Bulldogs continued to apply pressure, taking a 3-1 lead into halftime thanks to two more goals by Sims, assisted by Karleigh Dement and Izzy Mitchell.

The final blow came in the last three minutes when Sims completed a clinical finish off a through ball by Cate Schrumpf.

Goalkeeper Hailey Presley's standout performance was pivotal in maintaining Sikeston's lead, including a crucial diving save that prevented Hillsboro from taking a 2-1 advantage.

The Bulldogs' defense, led by the trio of Olivia Gadberry, Alex Segers and Kenzie Ogden, was equally impressive.

Gadberry made several timely challenges, while the physicality of Alex Segers and Ogden disrupted Hillsboro's attacking flow.

With this victory, Sikeston notches its 12th win of the season, marking the fourth-most in program history.

However, Sikeston’s postseason run ended in the semifinals, where they fell 4-0 to top-seeded Notre Dame (14-6).