Overtime goal lifts Bishop Miege to girls state soccer final

When the Bishop Miege girls soccer team took its Kansas 4-1A Kansas state semifinal match to overtime Friday in Topeka, the feeling was familiar. Each of the past two years, Miege’s seasons have ended in overtime in the state’s semifinals.

Not this year.

Miege beat McPherson 1-0 as freshman Evelyn Alejandre-Olivas scored the game’s lone goal 2 minutes, 6 seconds into overtime.

An all-senior back line, plus East Kansas League goalie of the year Zoey Slettehaugh, held McPherson scoreless, even as Miege struggled to score.

“When they came over to me after regulation, I just told them, ‘Stay calm, we’ve been here before,’ ” Miege head coach Nate Huppe said. “Sure enough, the younger girls created an opportunity.”

It was sophomore Megan Homoly’s shot that sparked the initial chance.

McPherson saved it, but Alejandre-Olivas was there for the rebound and tap-in.

“We’ve lost in the state semis in OT the past two years, so to finally get over that hurdle, I’m so, so, so happy,” Huppe said. “Especially for my juniors and seniors, who have gone through tremendous heartbreak.”

Miege, 12-6-2, will play in the 4-1A state title game Saturday at 2 p.m. against Wichita Trinity Academy at Topeka’s Hummer Park.

Class 6A

Just when things got started at Class 6A soccer in Junction City, lightning quickly brought it all to an end.

Thunderstoms forced Kansas State High School Activities Association officials to postpone the tournament on Friday.

Shawnee Mission West and Manhattan were in the 12th minute of the first scheduled semifinal match when lightning put the game into a delay.

Nearly 2  1/2 hours later, officials announced the postponement.

The Vikings and Indians will continue their scoreless match at noon Saturday, while Blue Valley West and Washburn Rural are scheduled for a 2 p.m. start.

The 6A tournament concludes on Sunday with a 1 p.m. championship match. Because of the weather postponement, there will not be a consolation game.

This story was originally published May 28, 2016 at 12:13 AM with the headline "Overtime goal lifts Bishop Miege to girls state soccer final."