Sikeston falls in overtime heartbreaker during ALS awareness match

SIKESTON, Mo. — Sikeston battled hard but ultimately fell to Hillsboro 1-0 in a dramatic overtime contest on Thursday, April 25, at the Sports Complex.

The match was played in support of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) awareness, with the Lady Bulldogs (10-9) wearing blue jerseys.

While Sikeston traditionally holds a game to benefit a local cancer patient, this year the team felt compelled to support the battle after hearing of two local families battling the disease.

Sikeston's Karliegh Dement (8) goes for loose ball during an overtime loss to Hillsboro at the Sports Complex on Thursday, April 25, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“While Sikeston traditionally holds a game to benefit a local cancer patient, this year the team felt compelled to support these families facing their ALS battle.

“It was an easy decision to help them in any way we could,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement.

Despite missing star freshman Kennedi Sims due to injury, Sikeston gave a valiant effort. Both teams showcased strong defenses, with goalkeepers making crucial saves throughout.

Sikeston's Landry Eason (25) races for possession during an overtime loss to Hillsboro at the Sports Complex on Thursday, April 25, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The match remained scoreless through regulation, forcing overtime. The Lady Hawks (8-6-1) finally broke through with just 39.7 seconds left in the overtime period.

"We played very well last night and I thought Hillsboro did as well," Dement said. "It was a back-and-forth affair with both defenses being stingy and the keepers coming up with saves in important moments.

“Despite the result, we were very proud of our efforts in some wet and tough conditions,” he continued. “I thought it was one of the most physical matches we’ve played and you could see that our girls really wanted to come out with a win."

Sikeston is back at the Sports Complex on Monday, April 29 against Poplar Bluff (3-10-1).