By John Mesh
The Hutchinson High School Salthawk varsity girls soccer team lost to the Wichita Trinity Academy Knights 4-0. The Knights sit atop the standings in the 4-1A West bracket.
“There were plenty of unknowns hosting an unfamiliar opponent in the non-conference matchup,” said Hutchinson assistant coach Cidy Vargas. “Coming off a Tuesday battle with Maize, heavy legs were apparent as the Knights jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the first half.
“Trinity would score two more in the second half as the one-loss Knights would go on to win the match 0-4.”
The Salthawks will use the weekend to reset as they enter into the last week of regular season play with matchups against league opponents Salina South Tuesday at home before traveling to Haysville Thursday to play Campus.
“On Tuesday, the team honors their four seniors before the varsity kickoffs — four girls who pour their heart in soul into this program,” Vargas said.
Ayla Booe — “A fierce competitor, not scared to make the crucial tackle or the final pass in big moments, ultimate teammate who can play anywhere on the field,” Vargas said.
Lily Rodriguez — Leader with point guard vision, assist leader.
“She sees the field and reads the game well,” Vargas said. ”She’s able to put her teammates in goal-scoring positions. Doesn’t back down, plays hard for her team, cares about winning.”
Aylin Escobedo — “Dependable lock-down defender, unbelievable recovery speed on the backline,” Vargas said. “Intelligent player that never stops battling for her team.”
Alyaniah Johnson — Speedy lock-down outside back with a knack to join the attack when needed,” Vargas said. “A.J has owned the outside position and has been reliable in many big game moments.
“These four girls will be missed, as all four have been staples on the varsity field through their high school careers, as a staff we know they will go on to do great things, the team will look to honor them with a win Tuesday against a good Salina South team.”
The Hutchinson junior varsity girls were victorious 1-0 Tuesday afternoon as they hosted Trinity Academy..
Freshman Yanithzi Gastelum recorded her first goal of the season. After junior Yaresli Pena played in a nice corner kick, sophomore Alyana Parra knocked down the ball for Yanithzi to smash home for the game’s only goal.
“Quality win for our girls against a good program,” Vargas said. “The JV will wrap up their season with two games next week — home against Salina South on Tuesday followed up the finale at Campus.”