Atchison, KS — Atchison, KS As a coach you never know what you really have in a team until you play the competition. The first game is always so exciting and girls really come out of their shells and show their talents. This game was no different. There were many of practices where we weren't really sure we had the girls in the right spots, but as soon as that whistle blew we knew that we had something here. We started the game off strong and went on the attack. We sent wave after wave and just weren't able to put the ball in the back of the net. Atchison was playing a high line and we were able to exploit it with our team speed and sending balls to the corners and over the top. Atchison was able to get a quick counter attack on us and put the ball in the back of the net. A goal scoring opportunity for us came about that looked like the ball crossed the line but the referee ultimately decided the ball had not crossed the line so play continued. Shortly after we were able to keep pushing afterwards and after a cross from Marissa Dick, Bailey Igleheart was able to get a foot on the ball and put in the back corner of the net to tie the game up. The second half Atchison packed the box and put 7 girls on their back line. The played deep in their own territory for most of the game as they relied on the counter attack against our girls. We worked the ball around the field and just weren't able to put the ball in the back of the net when the clocked stopped at 0:00. We look to be an improved team from last year. These girls continue to work hard and improve every single day and it showed on the field. We lost to Atchison last season 5-0. We outplayed them this time and had the opportunity to put many goals in the back of the net. Standout players: -Chaynee Howell had her first every Varsity start in goal and did great in the back. She continues to improve and battle for the goalkeeper position with Kayleigh Williamson. -Macie Murray was reading the middle of the field really well. A second year player who has tons of potential -Harlee Morando playing as our outside back and being lockdown on the back right side was really fun to watch. She continues to grow in her spot and understand the position more. -Paityn VanMiddlesworth was outstanding on the left side and showed us that she can play in the back or up top. She is going to be dangerous for the program for many years. -McKenna Klamm was great in the midfield. She was directing traffic and finding passes and leading her team -Kayla Thorton came alive and really showed us that she can direct the ball around the field and find open teammates -Natalie Loving was superb in the middle. She had some great skill and pushed the ball up field. It's going to be fun to see what she does in this program -Marissa Dick was phenomenal and owning the left side of the field, she played crosses in and was having shot after shot -Baylie Igleheart was a JV phenom in her years past. This game she was stellar and really took girls on and put the ball in the box many time. She came away with one goal but has the opportunity to score in more games this year -Miley Maxwell was all over the place and had many opportunities to score. She is going to get her goals as the season goes and we are all here for it -Grae Vanderweide tried a new spot and played some defensive mid for us and looked really good for us for her first time. It's going to be exciting to see her grow in the spot and continue looking to distribute the ball around the field. -Grace Weatherford has speed and was able to recover many times to help keep the ball out of the other teams possession I'm Excited to see all of our girls grow and become even better and see their contributions to the team and program.