Sims powers Sikeston past Kelly with another hat trick

SIKESTON — For the second time in a week, Kennedi Sims’ hat trick propelled Sikeston to a commanding victory over Kelly, this time in a 6-1 conquest at Bill Lawson Memorial Field at the Sports Complex on Wednesday, March 27.

Sims' scoring prowess is fueling the Lady Bulldogs’ (3-3) resurgence after the team won only four games last year. With 14 goals through just six games, they've already surpassed last season's scoring output.

“Overall, trusted each other, possessed and communicated well,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement. “We passed the ball well, stayed patient and let the goals come to us. We kept ball pressure down on their end for the majority of the match. Defensively, we played smart. A lot of our attacks were generated by passes starting with our defense whether that was Alanna Jones, Olivia Gadberry or Alex Segers.”

Sikeston coach Gabe Dement talks with a Lady Bulldog during the team's 6-1 win over Kelly at Bill Lawson Memorial Field at the Sports Complex on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Sims has emerged as a force in her freshman campaign, already displaying exceptional skill and potential.

"[Sims] is off to a great start," Dement said. "I’ve watched her play since she was younger, so yes, I did anticipate her to have this type of impact, but the best part about her is that she is unselfish. She’s going to score, but she’s always looking to pass. She loves to distribute the ball, and she is a very positive and coachable kid.”

Sikeston's Landri Hammontree (11) tries to break free during a 6-1 win over Kelly at Bill Lawson Memorial Field at the Sports Complex on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Sims wasn't the only Lady Bulldog (3-3) to find the back of the net.

Cate Schrumpf contributed with a pair of goals, including opening the scoring in the second half, and Landri Hammontree netted her first varsity goal.

“[Hammontree’s goal] has been coming,” Dement said. “We had a few nice passes and [Schrumpf] was able to set her up on the right side. She just hit one over the keeper’s head. She’s had lots of chances already this year. She loves to attack just like she does in basketball.”

Sikeston celebrates a 6-1 win over Kelly at Bill Lawson Memorial Field at the Sports Complex on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Despite the loss, the Lady Hawks’ (2-4) Kristin Grogan made history, scoring a goal that set a new program record with her 37th career tally.

“Grogan is a great player and she is going to finish those chances,” Dement said. “We’d all like to congratulate [Grogan] on breaking that record.”

Sikeston is on the road at DeSoto (0-2) while Kelly travels to Cape Central (1-2) on Tuesday, April 2.