Blue Springs South soccer splits a pair in Columbia Tournament

Mother Nature put a premature end to the Blue Springs South girls soccer teams stay in the Columbia Hickman Tournament this weekend, but the Jaguars managed a 1-1 record before lightning cancelled the remaining game Saturday afternoon.

After a last-minute goal by Troy led to a 2-1 defeat Friday night, South rebounded for a 6-1 win over Pembroke Hill Saturday.

"It was probably our best, most well-rounded game of the season," South head coach Todd Findley said. "We had beaten Pembroke Hill once this season, but I knew that they had many injured players back in the lineup. Goalkeeping, defense, midfield, possession and forwards attack all came together for us.

"Lexi Meyer and Jen Kaberline did a great job anchoring the middle of the defense."

The Jaguar offense was widespread, as five different players scored goals.

Beth Landon was the lone player to have two, while Emily Griffin, Jordan McNamara, Natalie Mandina and Grace Klausen all had one apiece.

"We have no one true goal scorer, it's always a team effort," Findley said. "The girls have such a great time playing together and they're bonding and learning to combine with one another. Of our seven goals (in the tournament), we had six different scorers and six players with assists."

The Jaguars took a tough loss Friday night against Troy. They took an early 1-0 lead in the 15th minute on a goal from Kelly Voigt.

Troy ended up tying things up 15 minutes later making it 1-1 at the half, although Findley said they should have had more than the one goal.

"It was a great first half for us," he said. "We had a lot of attack and possession but could only generate one goal out of it."

It looked as if the game was headed for overtime in the second half when Troy standout Hunter Wagoner found the back of the net in the 79th minute for the backbreaking game-winner.

"It (only scoring one in the first half) came back to haunt us when their all-state forward, Wagoner, got through our back line with one minute remaining to notch the victory," Findley said. "It was a hard loss after such a great start."

South is now 4-12 on the season and they will return to action Monday when they host Lee's Summit.