photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence senior Ellorie Severin eyes the ball during Lawrence's senior night game against Olathe South on Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Lawrence.

Senior defender Erin Derby knew the Lawrence girls soccer team wasn’t going to lose to Olathe South on Thursday night, even as the game remained scoreless late into the second half.

Thursday was senior night for Lawrence, and 10 Lions were celebrated before the game. Senior Elise Lawrence said the team has underperformed on previous senior nights, but that the trend wasn’t going to continue.

“It was emotional for me,” Derby said. “We have a lot of love for each other, but when we started to warm up, we knew we wanted to win for each other… I was not going to lose senior night.”

And in the 72nd minute of the game, senior Sidra Besson got a penalty kick opportunity and snuck the ball just inside of the right goalpost, giving the Lions the 1-0 lead that ultimately became the final score.

“I like to stare at the goalie, try to get in her head,” Besson said. “I took a deep breath and trusted myself, knowing that I can put the ball in the right spot.”

The win put the Lions at 10-6 on the season, a season that coach Joe Comparato said was one of the best in school history. The cause of that success stems from those that were celebrated before the game: the seniors. And once again, the group stepped up to lead the Lions to victory.

Lawrence didn’t get a goal until late, but the offensive process was solid. The Lions utilized their speed advantage at the top line to stress Olathe South’s backline, and the group of Sidra Besson, Ginny Besson, Ellorie Severin, Rylee Williams and MJ Sachs consistently put pressure on the Falcons.

“Putting the pressure on that backline makes them nervous,” Ginny Besson said. “They’re going to make more mistakes and give us more chances.”

The Lions continued to get shots on the goal, including one of their best coming midway through the first half with Williams pushing up the left wing toward the goal. While those shots didn’t result in goals for the Lions, it forced the Falcons to play more physically against the Lawrence forwards, which led to more set pieces and scoring opportunities.

Lawrence had several deep free kicks that the backline defenders nearly put in the goal, including a late free kick on a yellow card. Four minutes after the card, Sidra Besson was fouled in the penalty area, leading to the game-winning shot. Derby and senior Abby Lawrence were holding hands around midfield, watching the kick before getting to run up and celebrate the win.

As much as Thursday’s win was about the offense grinding out a win with consistent pressure, the Lawrence defense had a notable night of its own in the shutout win.

“(They have) one of the best forwards in the league, and we shut her down tonight,” Comparato said. “That was key.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Lillian Poteete, who has been the starter in goal the last two seasons, was out with a sprained ankle, leading fellow sophomore Emma Druen to fill in at the net. She finished with multiple crucial saves, and the defense otherwise made her job easier against a strong Olathe South front line.

“Girls step up and play, and they play for each other,” Comparato said.

Lawrence will enter the postseason hosting a regional and put are in a better position having beat an Olathe South team that finished just below the Lions in the standings. With a regular season record that ranks highly among Lawrence history and a strong culture to play in, the Lions are excited to continue their season and play with heart.

“I don’t want this season to end,” Abby Lawrence said. “We want to play as many games as we can together.”

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence senior Erin Derby kicks the ball Lawrence’s senior night game against Olathe South on Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence junior Maggie Wagner puts the ball in play in Lawrence’s senior night game against Olathe South on Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence senior Ginny Besson runs to the ball in Lawrence’s senior night game against Olathe South on Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Lawrence.