Sikeston keeps positive attitude after playoff exit

IMPERIAL, Mo. — Despite a challenging playoff loss to St. Vincent, the Sikeston girls’ soccer team is leaving the season with its heads held high.

The Lady Bulldogs (4-19-1) may have struggled to find wins this year, but their positive attitude and team spirit never wavered.

“We improved a lot and I enjoyed this group of girls,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement. “They were fun to be around and made coaching fun despite our win/loss record. We only graduate four seniors and have 23 incoming freshmen who attended our soccer meeting at the junior high. Several of those players have pretty good soccer backgrounds. I’m excited to see their energy and skill combined with our returning players. I feel we will take a step forward next year.”

The Class 3, No. 11 ranked Lady Indians (14-4) won 8-0 over Sikeston in the opening round of the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Tournament at Windsor High School on Saturday, May 13.

“I believe our girls played as hard as they could and competed well despite the scoreline,” Dement said. “St, Vincent is the ranked No. 11 in our class for a reason and we knew it was going to be an uphill battle. Despite them scoring 33 seconds into the match, we were able to clear many of their chances. In addition, Hailey Presley made several nice saves. She would finish the match with 21.”

St. Vincent (14-4) will face Cape Central (6-9) in a semifinal on Wednesday, May 17 at 5 p.m.