Wright City senior Paige Kirn never gets tired from the feeling of watching the ball hit the back of the net.

On April 9, she got that feeling five times. 

Kirn’s offensive barrage was hard to stop in the Wildcats’ 5-0 victory over Liberty Christian Academy, as she collected all five goals.

But the forward was quick to spread the credit. 

“It’s exciting to be able to put the ball in the back of the net for my team. I definitely could not have done it without all the assists from Ada [Ferrell] and everyone else,” Kirn said. 

Ferrell, who played from the wing, delivered two assists, while Sandy Lopez and Olivia Wilson each had one assist. Kirn noted the on-field chemistry she has up top with Ferrell. 

“I love playing with her and she doesn’t give up on the ball,” Kirn said. “I feel like the more and more we play, the more we see each other’s runs and are able to read each other. We can make eye contact and she already knows where I’m going. It’s just nice with the connection we have up top to be able to do through balls and give and go’s.” 

Wright City coach Jake Wallace added Ferrell’s presence on the field is notable. 

“You can really see the difference when [Ferrell] is out there because she opens up so many lanes for [Kirn] because of her speed and she’s good on the ball at the top,” Wallace said. “It opens a lot of space for [Kirn] in the midfield to move and play off of each other.” 

On the defensive side of things, Wallace was just as pleased. 

“The whole defense played really well. Paige Rees is an absolute stud and this was her first shutout of the year,” he said. “For her to keep that going the entire game when we had subs coming in, coming out and changing formations a little bit, was really impressive.”

Wallace went on to specify Norma Diego as another standout from their win. 

“She played a little forward for us today and she had really good opportunities up top,” he said. “She’s a really good player and I was impressed with her.” 

The Wildcats are in the process of transitioning back to their old grass field, which Wallace said contributed to a slower start. 

“We were getting used to the weird bumps and potholes that we have out there. It took us a little bit to get our touch and start playing confidently, but when they did, I was happy with the way we possessed the ball,” Wallace said. 

Liberty Christian coach Ken Dildine said despite the loss, there was a lot to celebrate in his team’s efforts. 

“My assistant coach and my son, Matt, actually took the girls out today and told them anytime we can play a big school like this and we go 80 minutes, that’s a win for us,” Dildine said. “Four of my 11 starters were eighth graders and we had a couple girls missing, but to go a full 80 minutes with a team like that and their caliber, I can’t complain.” 

The Eagles trailed 3-0 at halftime. Dildine said his team remained determined despite the deficit.

“The girls at halftime were saying ‘we’ve been down before and we’ve come back.’ They were not ready to give up and they were determined to keep finishing which is key in my book,” Dildine said. 

Dildine went on to say the Eagles had the best ball movement he had seen all year against the Wildcats. He also took note of their numerous second half chances. 

“Once you get that one [goal], all the pressure is off and when the girls realize that, I think the sky is going to be the limit,” he said. 

He noted the team still has room to grow, particularly in remaining strong on the ball. However, with his solid senior leadership that continuously helps lead the young team, he is positive that the area will improve. 

“We’re still young but with the senior leadership that I have this year, they’ve really stepped up and helped these girls really progress,” Dildine said. 

The Wildcats now hold a 4-3 season record, while the Eagles have a 4-4 record.