Grogan’s first-half hat trick powers Kelly's rout of Hancock in first round of C1D1 Tournament

BENTON, Mo. — In a historic moment for the Kelly girls’ soccer program, the team secured its first-ever postseason victory on the field by defeating Hancock 9-1 in the opening round of the MSHSAA Class 1, District 1 Tournament at Kelly High School on Monday, May 15.

"Our teamwork was the key,” said Kelly junior Kristen Grogan. “ We all worked hard and believed in each other, and our coaches have been instrumental in our success. Knowing that we can come out and make a statement like this is a huge confidence boost for us. We're excited to keep working hard and see what else we can accomplish together."

While the Lady Hawks (5-13-1) technically earned a win by forfeit in the 2018 playoffs, the victory over the Lady Tigers (1-14) holds a special significance as the team dominated from start to finish, highlighted by a four-goal performance from Grogan.

Kelly's Kayleigh Holman (21) stops a ball�during�a 9-1 win over Hancock in the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Tournament at Kelly High School on Monday, May 15, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

"My speed definitely gives me an advantage on the field,” Grogan said. “It allows me to create opportunities and make plays for the team. It feels great to break our losing streak and prove that Kelly can do big things. As a team, we came together and showed what we're capable of on the field."

Kelly led 5-0 at the break after Grogan scored three times and Alli Heacox scored twice in the first half. Lydia Lewis assisted Heacox on her first goal.

“Our team brought intensity and brought the fun back to the game,” said Kelly coach Omar Campos. “They had the right attitude and intensity right out the gate which made it easy for them to have fun playing. We’ve been lacking that because we’ve had some tough games recently but they stepped up and had the right mindset whether they started or came off the bench.

Kelly's Macy Burger (8) shoots�during�a 9-1 win over Hancock in the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Tournament at Kelly High School on Monday, May 15, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“We didn’t lose anything fundamentally no matter who we subbed in because they were all bought in tonight,” he continued. “Staying positive boosted their confidence in each other and themselves.”

Grogan added another goal to start the second half, and Kelly extended the lead to 8-1 after Macy Burger scored twice.

“We pushed on offense and got everyone to buy into the offense,” coach Campos said. “It wasn’t us just sending the ball forward tonight, we were making good passes, not sitting back on defense, and everyone was shooting from everywhere.”

Kelly's Lydia Lewis (5) passes�during�a 9-1 win over Hancock in the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Tournament at Kelly High School on Monday, May 15, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

For the Lady Hawks’ final goal, Olivia Cross assisted Nandelle Campos, who happens to be coach Campos’ niece.

“It’s very special to see her develop every single practice and game,” he said. “It’s fun to get to watch her play, plus to get the chance to coach her. They are very special moments. I’m very proud of her for stepping up and taking the challenge to every single soccer game.”

Kelly will host top-seeded Saxony Lutheran (9-8) in a semifinal on Tuesday, May 16.