Chargers hold off Wildcats, 3-1

After a sluggish one-goal victory over Hayden earlier this season, the Topeka West Chargers knew they needed a strong start to Tuesday's rematch in a regional quarterfinal.

Enter Jackie Wolff. The sophomore striker stuffed her own rebound inside the right post less than two minutes into the game, and the Chargers cruised to a 3-1 win at Hummer Sports Park.

"It was very important for our girls to play well early tonight," said head coach Chris McGinnis. "That's something we've struggled with all season."

The superb start continued later in the first half. Senior forward Jamila Saadi knifed through the Wildcat defense into the box, where she slid the ball by keeper Shaey Longstaff to double West's lead.

The room Saadi found was difficult to come by in the first contest between the two teams, but a Hayden tactical switch did not work out as the Wildcats intended.

"In the first game they tried to pack it in more," McGinnis said. "They had (leading scorer Abi) Dodds back at sweeper in the first game, and without her in the back, there was more space this time."

"We tried to get more offense going in this game, to put the pressure on their defense," said Hayden coach Klaus Kreutzer. "We did that, but still weren't able to find the net enough."

West did just that, as Wolff put the game out of reach when she tallied her team-leading 20th goal of the season seven minutes into the second half.

Beating Hayden's second-half keeper Bri Holmes to a loose ball in the box, Wolff flicked a shot around Holmes to collect the brace and put the Chargers up by three goals.

Dodds did eventually crease the twine for the Wildcats, who defeated Highland Park in Monday's opening round game to earn a second chance against West.

The sophomore angled a shot from the right side of the box inside the left post with just five minutes remaining.

The goal denied Charger goalie Kelsie Gengler her ninth shutout of the season and served as a precursor for the Wildcats.

Their season ends at 7-9, but they only lose one senior to graduation.

Topeka West, the runner-up in Class 5-1A last season, now faces the winner of DeSoto-Blue Valley on Thursday at Hummer Sports Park.

Hayden 0__ 1__ ---__ 1

Topeka West 2__ 1__ ---__ 3

Hayden --- Goals: Dodds.

Topeka West --- Goals: Wolff 2, Saadi.

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