News

The Shawnee Heights Thunderbirds and Hayden Wildcats both earned quarterfinal victories on Tuesday night to punch their tickets to the state soccer tournament.

It took overtime for the T-Birds, but they scored off a free kick in the final 30 seconds of the first extra period to defeat Kansas City Washington 3-2 at the Bettis Family Sports Complex. Heights led 1-0 and 2-1 but Washington managed to fight back twice and tied the score with 3:13 to play in the second half to necessitate overtime.

Shawnee Heights will be pursuing the first state championship in program history when they play on Friday in Spring Hill. Their opponent will be Goddard Eisenhower.

Hayden earned a 2-0 win over Augusta in their 4A quarterfinal, with both goals coming in the second half. The win moves the Wildcats to 11-8 on the season.  The Wildcats have been road warriors to get to this point, winning games at The Classical School of Wichita and Coffeyville before their win in Augusta.

It’s Hayden’s first trip to the Final Four since winning the 4A title in 2012. They also won state in 2000. The Wildcats will play in a state semifinal on Friday night in Wichita at the Stryker Sports Complex against two-time defending state champion Bishop Miege. Kickoff is set for 7pm.