Tag Archives: Megan Melugin

Southwest Baptist Visits Drury Panthers Saturday

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Kelsy Long, Drury Panthers (2011)

Kelsey Long, Drury Panthers (2011)

This is a game I always look forward to and with the large recruiting class of local players that Head Coach Rob Podeyn has brought into the Bearcats roster, there’s an even stronger pull. Still an exhibition game for both teams, its a nice measurement for the Bearcats (MIAA) and Panthers (GLVC) as they complete preparations for their D2 seasons.

Game time is 6:00 pm Saturday at Harrison Stadium.

The Bearcats recruits for 2010 from the region include Paige Hemphill (Ozark), Rachel Haden (Ozark), Molly Marcotte (Republic), Amy Coffey (Rogersville), Erin Boschen (Hillcrest), Megan Melguin (Kickapoo) and Chelsea VanHook (Camdenton).

Southwest Baptist opens their season on September 2nd when the Quincy Hawks visit. Quincy is ranked #2 in the GLVC while Drury is ranked #6 which means the results of tonights game and next weeks game will offer an early assessment of the quality of the GLVC coaches prognostication skills.

The Panthers hit the road for three games next week, at Ashland, Tiffin and Lewis over the Labor Day holiday weekend. They visit Quincy on September 10th.

Missouri Class 3 All-District 11 Girls Soccer Honors

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Lauren Moats, Nixa Eagles (2012)

Lauren Moats, Nixa Eagles (2012)

2010 Class 3 All-District 11 Girls Soccer Teams

Coach Of the Year – Evan Palmer *
Player Of the Year – Lauren Moats *
Defensive Player of the Year – Kristin Miller
Offensive Player of the Year – Emily Cline
Keeper Player of the Year – Paige Hemphill *

Represents a Unanimous selection *

Wednesday Games – Glendale Gets Past Kickapoo

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Danielle Smulczenski battles Claire Parrino

Danielle Smulczenski battles Claire Parrino

Glendale Falcons – 3
Kickapoo Chiefs – 1
In a tale of two halves, the Chief’s took an early lead this evening when senior Marin Gelsheimer’s long-range stop took one bounce before skipping past the goalkeeper for a goal. Gelsheimer received the ball on a give-and-go with Megan Melugin. Catch it on KOLR10 news tonight! The Chief’s continued with their solid effort, creating more opportunities and winning loose balls consistently. It took special effort by Ashley McWilliams and Alix Opfer to stop a pair of close range opportunities in the second half that might have extended the Chief’s lead. The Falcon’s best opportunity came midway through the half when sophomore Molly Brewer put her shot from 12 yard’s out off the crossbar.

The second half started with an increase in the wind speed and the Falcon’s approach to the game. Whether from a tongue-lashing from Coach Roger’s or a look inside, the Falcon’s decided to play up to their considerable talent level in the second half. The crowd rose in anticipation seven minutes into the half when Lindsey Sprouse broke in alone on the goalkeeper, only to see her shot pushed up and over. A minute later Sprouse took a different approach, with a quick long range shot from 25 yards out in the 48th that fell underneath the crossbar and tied the game. The Falcon’s earned a corner kick 8 minutes later and when the ball popped out of a scrum in the box, sophomore Alix Opfer, who was waiting on the far side, buried her shot for the ultimate game winner. The final goal was scored by junior Emily Cline who won a goal kick that didn’t get far due to the stiff wind. She pushed the ball forward and while moving from left to right at the top of the box, pushed her shot to the far left for the final margin.

Glendale finishes second in the Ozark Conference with an 8-1 record, losing only to Parkview. Kickapoo finishes fifth with a 5-4 record. Pictures can be seen here and below.

Glendale faces Catholic tomorrow night, weather dependent, and then will take the weekend off. Kickapoo faces Branson in the first round of the District 11 playoffs on Saturday evening at Parkview.

Ozark Tigers – 4
Lebanon Yellowjackets – 0
Megan Jenisch scored in the 8th minute, by header, from Megan Gunnel’s service following a corner kick. Junior transfer Shannon Lacker scored a brace and Gunnel’s completed the scoring. Ozark Tiger’s website.

Neosho Wildcats vs Parkview Vikings – canceled

Camdenton Lakers – 10
Central Bulldogs – 0
From Kai Raymer at Lake Sun Leader: Led by Ashleigh Paschel’s hat trick, the Camdenton High School girls’ soccer team stayed hot and won easily 10-0 over Springfield Central on Wednesday.

Camdenton faces Rolla in a rematch this Monday in the Class 3 District 10 tournament in Jefferson City.

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Ozark Conference Girls Soccer – Parkview Remains Undefeated

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Kaylee Stephens (2011) battles Anna Withers (2011)

Kaylee Stephens (2011) battles Anna Withers (2011)

Kickapoo Chiefs – 1
Parkview Vikings – 2 (2nd OT)
In a game that probably sealed Parkviews position not only at the top of the Ozark Conference (now 6-0) but also a Top 2 seed within Class 3 District 11, the Vikings defense continued to flex but not break while the offense came through in the clutch. Parkview opened the scoring in the 27th minute as front runners Kelsey Loderhose and Shelby Stewart combined, with Stewarts ball into the box deflecting off a defender and falling to Loderhose who confidently buried her shot past a diving keeper. It came after the Chief’s opened play with three straight corner kicks and early pressure before Parkview offered a little bump and grind of their own with Loderhose putting a ball off the crossbar in the 5th minute.

The Vikings came out a bit too relaxed in the second half, apparently content to try and defend their slight margin. The Chief’s were having none of it and attacked regularly and it was only quality work from senior Caylin Manary who kept them close. A hard shot to the lower corner was pushed just wide while Lauren Rowland’s shot from the right deflected off the upright. Rowland, Rachel McIntyrre and Casey Weitzel pushed hard into the Parkview defensive end, taking advantage of the space provided to them as the Viking’s concentrated on McKenna Adams. It was Adams who tied the game in the 76th when senior Megan Melugin’s simple flick header sent her in on a breakaway past the defense. Running into the box while protecting the ball from a late challenge, Adams was able to slip the ball just inside the upright and past the keeper (video below) in the 76th minute. The Chief’s had one final shot in regulation that Manary was able to tip over the crossbar to get the Vikings to OT.

Both teams created opportunities in the overtime periods but it was the Viking forwards who got the game winner. Stewart ran to a ball that was bouncing between a pair of players at midfield and using her body, advanced the ball and broke down the right side. As the defense collapsed on her, she slipped a through ball to Loderhose who ran onto the ball and slipped it up and over the on-rushing keeper (Danzer, only her second game back from a concussion against Nixa two weeks ago) and kept it on frame to scored her second of the day for the big win.

With the Class 3 District 11 seeding meeting scheduled for next Wednesday, only Tuesday’s Ozark vs Nixa derby remains to be played and have an effect on seeding. Parkview will host Ozark Friday May 7th while Glendale will host Kickapoo May 12th in key games that remain. Here’s one more video, of what it can be like when Shelby Stewart is running at a defense. Enjoy!

By the way, I’d like to thank the Chief’s Booster Club for their hospitality tonight. Dinner was excellent. Thank you.

Joplin Eagles – 0
Rolla Bulldogs – 5

Camdenton Lakers – 2
Lebanon Yellowjackets – 1
Camdenton goals by Chelsi Libby and Mackenzie Manzer; Lebanon goal by Emilee Starnes.

West Plains Zizzers – 2
Hillcrest Hornets – 0

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Ozark Conference Girls Soccer – Vikings Remain On Top

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Parkview Vikings Celebrate Jessica Maerz (#9) game-winner

Parkview Vikings Celebrate Jessica Maerz (#9) game-winner

Parkview Vikings – 2
Camdenton Lakers – 1
Camdenton’s Ashleigh Paschel opened the scoring, placing a shot into the left side-netting about 10 minutes into the first half. Parkview tied the game about five minutes later, with Shelby Stewart sprinting onto an Anna Withers through ball and touching the ball past the Camdenton keeper then sliding in her shot from a wide angle. Both teams created chances in the second half with the keepers coming up strong. The Laker’s high energy offense, based upon doing a few things well, was clicking but the Vikings defense was up to the challenge. It was remarkable to watch, as the Laker’s pushed harder Parkview remained calm and confident in their ability to prevail.

Their confidence was rewarded when senior Jessica Maerz got the game-winner with less than two minutes in regulation. Maerz collected the ball along the left sideline and shot, dropping the ball in under the crossbar from 30 yards. The Vikings now move to 5-0 in the Conference and remain the only undefeated Conference team. Camdenton falls to 3-3 in the middle of the table.

Rolla Bulldogs – 2
Lebanon Yellowjackets – 0
Another shutout for the Bulldogs who quietly move up the table, sitting second now at 6-1 in the Conference. Lebanon is now 3-3, tied with Camdenton.

Waynesville Tigers – 5
Joplin Eagles – 0
The Tigers came out strong on an evening when the school was recognizing four time All-State player Katie Pritchard, retiring her jersey number. Goals were scored by Jesslyn Clark (2), Rhiannon Moore, Janelle Miller and Loriann Clark. The Tigers move to 2-4 in the Conference, Joplin falls to 1-4.

Kickapoo Chiefs – 5
West Plains Zizzers – 0
The Chief’s scored three in the first, opening in the 22nd minute on McKenna Adams unassisted run down the middle of the field. Adams added a second in the 37th minute with a shot from 28 yards that fell in over the keeper’s outstretched arms into the net. Marin Gelsheimer scored in the 39th on an assist from Adams, Megan Melugin scored off a rebound from a McKenna Adams corner kick in the 48th and Adams completed her hat-trick on as assist from Marin Gelsheimer in the 61st. McKenzie Danzer returned to the goal tonight for the shutout.

Kickapoo and Glendale are now tied for third in the Conference with matching 4-1 records, behind Parkview and Rolla. Parkview visits Kickapoo on Thursday in a key Conference and District match for both programs. I’ll be there!

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Monday Girls Soccer – Chiefs Take Down Nixa

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McKenna Adams, after scoring against Nixa

McKenna Adams, after scoring against Nixa

Nixa Eagles – 0
Kickapoo Chiefs – 1
The Chiefs ended a string of 8 straight halves without scoring a goal by scoring one that will resonate all the way until mid-May when District 11 seeding discussions begin. Senior Megan Melugin picked up a ball near midfield and slipped a thru ball to McKenna Adams who fought off an Eagle defender and ran into the box where she slotted a ball to the far post past an on-rushing keeper. The goal came in the 66th minute and the team held on to earn the important District win.

This is a game I almost didn’t attend, with Nixa coming off their win in the Christian County Tournament while Kickapoo had lost their last three without scoring since the 1st half against Waynesville last Tuesday. It seemed primed for the Eagles to earn their first win ever against Kickapoo and establish themselves as a true challenger in District 11. Instead what transpired was a Chiefs defense that showed a high level of resilience, born in the forges of one of the most challenging schedules for any team in the area to date. Aided by keeper McKenzie Danzer’s response to the challenges, the Eagles had a shot go off the upright in the 4th minute, another pair tipped off the crossbar and a cross somehow go through the six yard box without anyone touching it, all in the first half. When the Chief’s lost Danzer to an injury in the 38th minute, yet another challenge for the Chiefs this season, it was the visitor’s who took control in the second half by controlling the midfield and taking advantage of the brief opening afforded to them during the evening. Wow, what a game.

Joplin McAuley -
Greenwood Blue Jays -

Ozark Tigers –
Joplin Tigers -
V 1st on the Grass pitch

Mt View Liberty Eagles – 3
Marshfield Blue Jays – 10
Jenifer McArthur 3, Kylea Ryser 3, Dannyca Mostrom 2, Ashley Honeycutt 1, Morgan Horman 1, scored for Lady jays

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Saturday Soccer Report

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Paige Hemphill, Ozark 2010, PK save at Blue Springs S

By M Gunnells - Paige Hemphill PK save at Blue Springs S

Blue Springs South – 0
Ozark Tigers – 1 (PK’s)
With a pair of saves in the PK round, goalie Paige Hemphill helped the Tiger’s get the win in KC on Saturday.

From Jags struggle scoring in shootout loss

The host Blue Springs South girls soccer team dominated. But in the end, it was Ozark prevailing 1-0 after two scoreless 10-minute overtimes and a shootout Saturday. The Jaguars (1-1), in a game delayed 30 minutes because of lightning, outshot Ozark 16-3 and led 5-1 in corner kicks. But in the shootout, Ozark converted on four attempts and South only once.

Park Hill South – 5
Kickapoo Chiefs – 1
Goals were scored by Kellogg (2), Hanlon, Claassen and Weatherly for Park Hill. Megan Melugin scored for Kickapoo.

Kickapoo Chiefs Opening Season In Kansas City

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Kickapoo Chiefs, preseason practiceReady to shake off the cold and rain of preseason, the Kickapoo Chiefs head to Kansas City this weekend to play a pair of games that have become their season openers. Blue Springs South is the opponent this evening, followed by Park Hill South on Saturday. The Ozark Tigers are also making the trek and playing games against PHS tonight and BSS tomorrow.

The Chiefs open the season with more unknowns then I can recall in my five plus seasons of covering the team. Coming off of their District Final loss to Glendale last year, Kickapoo finished 13-14 while winning 6 of their last 9, including their upset of the Ozark Tigers in the semifinal following an 0-3 loss to the hosts earlier in May. Regardless of turnover, there has always been a go-to player, most recently Amanda Dominguez (3rd Team State) and others like Chelsea Russell, Rachel Lavoy and Afton Weimer. While lacking in name recognition, the team does not lack in talent and returns a core of six starters and an experienced goalkeeper.

As a coach you want a strong midfield, a reliable goalkeeper and someone who can put the ball into the net. Kickapoo Coach Phil Hodge will address those needs with senior, and Southwest Baptist signee Megan Melugin partnered with juniors Marin Gelsheimer and Katie Lynn in the middle, sophomore McKenzie Danzer in goal and junior McKenna Adams up top. Except for Danzer, who began 2009 as starter due to injuries, all are returning starters. Add in defensive starters sr. Hilary Carr and jr. Kate Bess, along with sr Lauryn Young, and the Chiefs have the core they need.

I felt that the Chiefs strong finished correlated with the development of their defense last year, when Carr became comfortable with her leadership responsibilities in back following a year off from soccer. By tightening the defense, it enabled the Chief’s to win games that were lost when their offense couldn’t match the other teams. The same requirements will be in place this season as the team looks to integrate five new starters who probably won’t be identified until mid-April and the Kickapoo Shootout.

The games this weekend are good tests for the team, against Blue Springs who finished 3-13-1 last season, falling in the first round of District play to St Teresa’s Academy. . The Park Hill South Panthers finished 19-4 last season, falling to District Champion Liberty Jay’s 6-1 in the final.

Next week they have 3 games, including facing two of the top three teams in the region when they face off against Glendale on Wednesday and Catholic on Friday. This team will be challenged early this season but they have already shown an ability to grow. I’m looking forward to following that progression.

By the way, the game Wednesday against Glendale will include a Fundraiser for Kickapoo basketball Coach Stephanie Phillips. More information can be found on the Kickapoo Chiefs website.

Megan Melugin Commits to Southwest Baptist Bearcats

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Megan Melugin, Kickapoo Chiefs (2010)

Megan Melugin, Kickapoo Chiefs (2010)

The Bearcats have added a fourth local recruit with last weeks signing by Kickapoo Chiefs midfield Megan Melugin. She joins Springfield SC teammate, goalkeeper Paige Hemphill (Ozark) along with Haden and Marcotte. Megan, like her brother Heath who plays for the Missouri State Bears, has a solid focus on her education and plans to enroll in the Physical Therapy program offered at SBU while continuing her career with the Division 2 MIAA squad based in Bolivar.

A 2nd Team Ozark Conference pick last year, she will be the Chiefs most experienced midfielder where she’ll be likely partner with Marin Gelsheimer and Katie Lynn. While not a prolific goal scorer, she can be dangerous as when she scored all 3 goals in a late season win over Camdenton. More details will have to follow since the Kickapoo Chiefs website seems to have erased all of the previous girls statistics.

I had a chance to chat with Megan following the Springfield SC annual Banquet, the day she signed officially.

2009 Class 3 District 11 Girls Soccer All-District Teams

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District 1st Team
Neva Raschel – Branson High School
Molly Brewer – Glendale High School
Emily Jordan – Glendale High School
Lindsey Sprouse – Glendale High School
McKenna Adams – Kickapoo High School
Abby Anderson – Kickapoo High School
Amanda Dominguez – Kickapoo High School
Kelsey Haist – Nixa High School
Rachel Murphy – Nixa High School
Jayme Braun – Ozark High School
Rachel Haden – Ozark High School
Paige Hemphill – Ozark High School
Jessica Maerz –Parkview High School
Shelby Stewart – Parkview High School

District 2nd Team
Emily Joplin – Branson High School Continue reading →