After a historic season last year, breaking multiple school records, and making the state tournament for the first time in history. The 13-4 St. Francis girls soccer team took on the 12-4-1 Zimmerman Thunder at home in the section semifinals. 

The Saints first round of sections was against the Hutchinson Tiger where they won 12-2.

Goalie Emma Knack scored 3 goals during that game 

“It felt really good,” said Knack, “and felt like a dream come true.”

The Saints beat the Thunder previously during the 2022 season, and they were hopeful heading into the game. 

 “It should be a good game,” said Coach Joan Johnson. “We have played Zimmerman in the past. In the regular season, we beat the Thunder 6-1.” 

Zimmerman has been a strong, competitive team that the Saints play against every year, sometimes multiple times. 

 “Zimmerman is a tough squad with good coaches,” said Johnson. 

The game should make for great competition and will decide who  makes it to finals. Last year the Saints beat the Thunder twice, 2-0 in overtime during the regular season and once 8-1 in the section finals.

Senior Captain Brooke McDaniel felt confident going into the game.

 “We’ve played Zimmerman in the past and have had good outcomes,” said McDaniel, “so hopefully we can win.”

Although the girls ended up losing in a close game to the Thunder 0-2, they finished their season 13-5. The team as a whole had many players recognized by the conference and some in the state, including McDaniel who played forward, goalkeeper Emma Knack, and forward Peyton Pendegrass.

Knack felt they left it all on the field.

 “Everyone is playing their game like it’s their last,” she said.