Kirk Academy girls soccer coach Chris Wilkinson knew exactly what his team would be facing when they hosted longtime rival Indianola at Raiderette Field last week.
The Lady Colonels gave Kirk its lone division loss back on Sept. 14, at Indianola Academy. Game 2 of the season series had a lot at stake. The Raiderettes needed to win by at least three goals to grab the top seed in the upcoming Midsouth Association of Independent Schools Division III Soccer Playoffs.
The contest was back-and-forth from the opening kick. Indianola opened the scoring five minutes into the contest. Kirk answered three minutes later to tie the game. Both teams would later score goals making it 2-2 at halftime.
It was the much the same in the second half and the match ended 4-4 at the end of regulation. Each team had a goal in overtime forcing the match to penalty kicks. Kirk made three and goalkeeper Emma Kirk stopped IA’s attempt to tie the game and gave Kirk the victory.
“I have a lot of respect for Indianola Academy soccer,” Wilkinson said. “They are a well-coached team full of players that work extremely hard and have great skills. Going into this match, we knew it was going to be a great and challenging game.”
Mak Kendall paced the Kirk offense with two goals. Emily Lane, Skylar Vance and Sophie Brister each added goal. Vance, Kendall and Lane made their penalty kicks in the shootout.
The win helped Kirk secure the No. 2 seed in the postseason and evened the teams overall mark at 6-6. Kirk was scheduled to host Discovery Christian of Florence in the postseason opener Tuesday. Results weren’t available as of presstime. The winner advances to the second round against either Laurel Christian or Clarksdale Lee in the semifinals Thursday at the higher seed.
