Lions pop Pembroke

LHS sets school record

Lawrence High’s Samantha Lopez is loving her final soccer season with the Lions.

And why not?

LAWRENCE HIGH'S SAMANTHA LOPEZ (4) celebrates with Monica Ruiz (10) as Kara Gardner (20) looks on. Lopez scored two goals in the Lions' 3-0 girls soccer victory Lawrence's fifth in a row over Kansas City (Mo.) Pembroke Hill on Friday at the Youth Sports Inc. fields.

The senior has lit the nets for eight goals in five games.

Her two goals Friday not only sparked the Lions’ 3-0 victory over Kansas City (Mo.) Pembroke Hill at Youth Sports Inc. fields, but also helped LHS to its most wins in school history as the Lions improved to 7-4-1.

“It’s awesome, we’re playing so well together,” said Lopez of her senior campaign. “Today we put it all together attacking, midfield and defense, we all came out to play.”

The Lions, who have won five in a row, tallied all three goals in the first half with Lopez leading the charge by scoring her first two just 13 minutes into the game.

Junior Kara Roelofs assisted both of Lopez’s shots before Andrea Stoneback added a third score on a break-away pass from Aly Barland.

While Pembroke switched goalies and increased its defensive pressure in the second half, LHS still just barely missed on a few more scoring opportunities.

Sophomore goalie Shannon Fisher also clamped down in the nets, recording her seventh shutout of the season.

“The first half we were outstanding,” LHS coach Keith Nelson said. “We executed our attack maybe better than any half we’ve played all year.”

With four more games remaining before postseason, Lopez, like several LHS players, think they can play host to a first-round playoff game.

“We’re starting to put it all together,” she said. “If we can keep coming into our own, I really think we’ll have a chance to do that.

“That’s been one of our goals all season and we’re finally starting to understand we have a real opportunity to achieve that.”

LHS will play host to Olathe South at 7 p.m. Tuesday at YSI.