By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Hayden's girls soccer team was unable to capitalize on a high percentage of its scoring opportunities in Tuesday's Class 4A-1A regioal opener against Augusta, particularly in the first half.
But the Wildcats put more than enough in the back of the net to assure themselves of another game, taking a 4-0 shutout over the Orioles at Hayden.
"We created a lot of chances,'' Hayden coach Klaus Kreutzer said. "I thought in the middle third of the field we did great and in the offensive third we just kind of lost our composure.''
Hayden, which improved to 9-5-2, led by just a 1-0 count at halftime but took control with three second-half goals, earning a berth in Thursday's regional final at Rose Hill, which advanced with a 10-0 win over Winfield.
"I did say to them, 'Let's not wait until the second half to do things right,' '' Kreutzer said. "It's really pretty simple. They just have to do it.''
Kreutzer said it will be important for the Wildcats to step up their game on the offensive end as the games get tougher and tougher in the postseason
"We have to show up to play because you either show up to play or you're done,'' he said.
Senior Sloane Sims scored the only goal Hayden would need at the 15:09 mark of the first half.
Freshman Carsyn Broxterman added a big insurance goal at the 30:50 mark of the second half and Sims scored her second goal of the game with 24:25 left in the match.
Hayden got its final goal with just eight seconds remaining, with Broxterman scoring her second goal.
Hayden senior Briahna Barnett was credited with a pair of assists while freshman Reese Huscher and junior Jill Lenherr also had assists for the Wildcats.
Freshmen Kadence Watts and Lauren Borjon combined for the shutout in goal.
Hayden will travel to Rose Hill (11-6-0) for a 5 p.m. game on Thursday.
HAYDEN 4, AUGUSTA 0
Augusta (4-12-0 ) 0 0 -- 0
Hayden (9-5-2) 1 3 -- 4
Hayden -- Goals: Sims 2, C. Broxterman 2. Assists: Barnett 2, Huscher, Lenherr. Shutout: Watts, Borjon.