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Lawrence’s XXX against Topeka during a girls soccer game on March 27 at Lawrence High School.
The Lawrence girls soccer team already appears to be in midseason form after clobbering the Topeka High Trojans 6-0 in its home-opener Friday night.
The Lions have now outscored their first two opponents 9-0 en route to a 2-0 record to open the season. Lawrence coach Joe Comparato said that his squad showed improved timing from its season-opening victory over Shawnee Heights.
“I thought we did a much better job of possessing the ball,” Comparato told reporters. “Our press was working, we were attacking as a group, and that really helped us keep the ball in the attacking third and get those opportunities.”
Against the Trojans, Lawrence went on top 1-0 after senior Ginny Besson’s kick caromed off the goalie and high into the net near the 32-minute mark of the first half.
Besson followed by powering through her second goal of the contest with 17 minutes showing on the clock as the Lions led 2-0. Lawrence struck again just before halftime as freshman Layla Simmons’ header sailed into the net, staking Lawrence to a 3-0 lead at the half.
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Lawrence’s Rylee Williams receives a hug from Stella Comparato after a goal against Topeka during a girls soccer game on March 27 at Lawrence High School.
Early in the second half, Lawrence’s lead swelled to 5–0 after senior Elise Lawrence and sophomore Rylee Williams knocked in a pair of goals in quick succession.
Besson collected her third with 16 minutes remaining to notch her first career hat trick outside of club play.
“She’s my idol; I’m inspired,” said a jubilant Williams of Besson’s performance.
Rather than basking in the glow of a sparkling individual performance, Besson praised her teammates for their contributions in the decisive victory.
“This season, our team dynamic and team chemistry is the best it has ever been,” she said. “We added a really fast forward (Layla Simmons) who has been really helpful to have up top.
“But I’m just really excited for the rest of the season, because I think it’s going to be good.”
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Lawrence’s Layla Simmons battles for the ball against Topeka during a girls soccer game on March 27 at Lawrence High School.
Comparato said that his quad is making a concerted effort to play with more physicality, which was on full display Friday evening.
“We really are trying to be a little more aggressive this year,” he said. “Because when we get into the meat of the season against the rest of the Sunflower League, it’s a physical game with those teams and we’ve got to be ready to play that way.”
Comparato noted that depth should be a strength, as the roster features a number of underclassmen that he expects to blend in nicely with a senior-laden group.
“We’ve got some fast freshmen on the team,” Comparato said, adding, “I can’t really say enough about our sophomores.
“This is a fast season, trying to play 16 games in eight weeks, then going to the postseason and trying to keep these girls healthy.”
The Lions tallied 16 shots, with eight of those on goal, while junior goaltender Emerson Sloop also looked sharp in pitching the shutout.
Lawrence will look to extend its winning streak to three games when it hosts DeSoto High at 7 pm on Tuesday.
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Lawrence’s Maggie Wagner prepares to kick the ball against Topeka during a girls soccer game on March 27 at Lawrence High School.
Jacob Rice/J Rice Photography
Lawrence’s Ginny Besson and Layla Simmons celebrate a goal against Topeka during a girls soccer game on March 27 at Lawrence High School.
Jacob Rice/J Rice Photography
Lawrence’s Erin Derby walks across the field during a break in the action against Topeka during a girls soccer game on March 27 at Lawrence High School.
