By Grant Barrett, Ad Astra Radio
McPHERSON, Kan. – The 2022 season was arguably the most successful season in the history of McPherson High Girls Soccer, finishing 16-4-1, reaching the 4-1A state tournament where they finished 3rd. They also earned the United Soccer Coaches Team Pinnacle Award for the 2021-2022 academic year.
The award was given to just 35 high school teams and seven college teams throughout the country that have earned the High School Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award, the High School Team Academic Award and achieved a winning percentage of .750 or better during the soccer season.
“They accomplished so much on and off the field.” said Head Coach Chris Adrian, who begins his 13th season at the helm. “This year, the goal is to not only continue that tradition of success, but build on it.”
Four of the five Bullpups that graduated from last year’s team earned 4-1A All-State honors, now seniors Sadie Law and Kelcie Kynaston return as second team selections, along with senior Ella Buschbom, who earned league honors as a goalkeeper last season. Other returning underclassmen earning league honors include; Ellie Bower, Baylee Simmelink, and Riggs Kuhn.
Eight seniors and a group of talented underclassmen will once again look for another deep run in the postseason, after falling to Bishop Miege in the Class 4-1A semifinals, claiming third in back-to-back seasons.
“We graduated a great senior class, but I believe we have the pieces ready to fill those spots and be extremely competitive again.” said Coach Adrian, “I’ve been so impressed with the improvement of several returning players from last year.” Adrian mentioned the excitement he has, saying, “It’s obvious the girls have been working really hard in the off season to get ready for this spring.”
The strength of schedule might be one of the toughest in the state, and Adrian expects that to help push the team to reach its full potential, as they open the season Tuesday in Salina, taking on Salina Central at 6 p.m.
The following week, they will host the 17th Annual McPherson Girls Soccer Invitational Tournament, which features; Augusta, Hays, Maize South, Newton, Salina South, Topeka and Valley Center.
Other opponents outside of the league include home matches against Topeka Hayden and Goddard Eisenhower. In a loaded second half of the season, they will travel to Bishop Miege, Wichita Collegiate, and Wichita Trinity, before concluding the regular season at home against Salina South.
Below is the complete varsity schedule:
3/21 @ Salina Central 6:00 pm
3/27-28, 31 McPherson Invitational TBD
4/4 vs Augusta 4:30 pm
4/6 vs Rose Hill 4:30 pm
4/10 vs Topeka Hayden 4:30 pm
4/14 vs Goddard Eisenhower 6:30 pm
4/18 @ Mulvane 6:30 pm
4/21 @ Bishop Miege 6:00 pm
4/25 @ Winfield 6:00 pm
4/27 @ Circle 6:00 pm
5/2 vs Buhler 6:00 pm
5/4 @ Wichita Collegiate 6:00 pm
5/9 @ Wichita Trinity 7:00 pm
5/11 vs Salina South 4:30 pm
5/16 Regional TBD
5/18 Regional Finals TBD
5/23 Quarterfinals TBD
5/26 State TBD
5/27 State TBD
*Dates via www.avctl.org as of 3/20/23
