By JEREMY McGUIRE
Hays Post

VALLEY CENTER, Kan.-Not every story can conclude with a happy ending. Not every story ends with a smile. That was the case Thursday night for the Hays High Lady Indians as they fell to Valley Center in the 5A Regional Soccer Championship by a score of 2-1 in three overtimes.

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You could tell from the outset that this championship game was going to be a battle as both teams made early runs but came up empty in the first half. Valley Center would notch the first goal of the night early in the second half when a mad scramble ensued in front of the Hays’ goal and found it’s way in for a score and a 1-0 Lady Hornet lead in the 43rd minute. You wondered if that was going to be all or would Hays High be able to mount a charge.
Mount a charge they did. In the 69th minute Allison Shubert was fouled in the box and was awarded a penalty kick. The sophomore calmly approached the ball and sailed it past the Valley Center goalie for the equalizer. The two teams would remain scoreless the remainder of regulation and the match would go to overtime.

It would be the eighth overtime match on the season for Hays and the third for Valley Center. Both teams would have opportunities in the first two overtimes but could not score. The story quickly changed in the third extra period as the Lady Indians were called for a handball in the box a little over a minute in and the Lady Hornets were able to convert the subsequent penalty kick and win the match 2-1.

Hays finishes their fine season with a record of 11-2-5. It will be the final time on the pitch for Hays High seniors Hannah McGuire, Kallie Leiker, Savannah Schneider, and Cori Isbell. This group of seniors have left quite a legacy for Hays High soccer.

As I finish this story, I finish it with tears in my eyes as my daughter Hannah has competed for the final time for Hays High. It has been a true pleasure to watch her and her teammates battle. It has been a joy to get to know the family and friends of all of the players over the years. I cannot thank the coaches and administration enough for the investment of their time and talents to better my daughter as well as the countless other players that have graced the pitch for the Lady Indians. I look forward to watching this new team compete next year. In the meantime, God-speed and I love you Hannah.