Sikeston’s goal-scoring explosion caps off memorable senior night

SIKESTON — Sikeston cruised to a 9-1 victory over Massac County on Tuesday, April 30 at Bill Lawson Memorial Field, turning Senior Night into a goal-scoring celebration.

The win highlighted the immense contributions of departing seniors Olivia Gadberry, Cate Schrumpf, and Kenzie Ogden.

The Lady Bulldogs (11-10) offensive firepower was on full display, led by Kennedi Sims with an outstanding five goals and two assists. Landri Hammontree added a hat trick with two assists, while Schrumpf contributed a goal and two assists.

“Cate Schrumpf has been the type of player who always keeps everyone positive and will fill any role to help the team win,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement. “She has been sometimes asked to be a goal scorer and mark opposing teams’ best players. Either role she excels at.”

Sikeston’s dominance extended to the defensive end as well. Goalkeepers Hailey Presley (six saves) and Natalie Wright (two saves) combined for a strong performance, limiting Massac County’s scoring opportunities. The leadership of the seniors bolstered their efforts.

”Olivia Gadberry has been our defensive anchor the past two seasons,” Dement said. “She’s strong, physical, and fast and prevents numerous dangerous chances due to her ability to read plays. She helps keep the goalkeeper’s stress level down.

“Kenzie Ogden is the mama bear of the group,” he continued. “She is a very intelligent player who shines most when she uses her strength to create time and space for herself and her teammates. She’s unapologetically loyal to her soccer family.”

Sikeston concludes its regular season by hosting Jackson (13-3) on May 6 and Poplar Bluff on May 8. The Bulldogs’ impressive Senior Night victory provides a confidence boost as they head into the final stretch of the season. With strong performances across the field, the Lady Bulldogs look to carry this momentum into the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Tournament at Cape Central, where they’ll face fourth-seeded Hillsboro (9-6-1) on May 11.