Freshmen power women's soccer team Kelly Walsh to victory over Riverton

After winning the program's first state championship since 2005 last season, the Kelly Walsh girls soccer team had to replace several senior starters. The future was on display Tuesday night at the Tom Stafileno Activities Complex as the Trojans shut out Riverton 3-0 with the freshman scoring all three goals.

“It was really good to get three goals from a freshman,” KW head coach Jerry Riering said. “I couldn’t be happier to see the next group come out and be this successful.”

Haley Larsen scored the first goal in the 19th minute.

Senior Addisen Kobza lofted a corner kick into the box and Peyton Hill chested it toward the goal, but it was stoned by Riverton goalie Ayana Mehorad. But Mehorad couldn't secure the ball and Larsen was there to knock in the rebound.

Emmy McNutt took a pass from fellow freshman Rio Harrison in the 26th minute, ripped through two defenders and found the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Three minutes later, Kobza and Larsen connected again from another corner kick. Kobza converted a corner kick to the far post and Larsen scored with a great header.

“It felt great,” Larsen said of the header. “I was happy with the way my teammates organized themselves and the great corner kick. We definitely came in hot and ready. We wanted to punch the panda there and personally I wanted to score a header.”

The Trojans on the field surrounded Larsen in celebration. Players and coaches on the bench celebrated on the sideline.

“That was a great goal,” Riering exclaimed. “The ball was beautiful, but it doesn't change the fact that Hayley went high at that back post and left no doubt on the ball.”

Kobza, who made her first start of the season in place of the injured Eleanor Vauthier, scored on corner kicks throughout the game.

“Addisen just puts the ball there perfectly,” Riering said. “When she’s on the field, she’s the designated person to take that kick because all she does is put it on her plate.”

Kobza is one of 10 seniors on KW's roster, six of whom are starters for the Trojans (4-1-2, 4-0-0, Class 4A West). ing. Tuesday's lineup had Kobza and Abigail Miller on the back line. Addie Harris scores. and Hill, Bethany Strand and Sidney Van Houten in midfield. Miller, Hill and Strand earned all-state honors last season. Harris was an all-conference selection.

Still, the Trojans held out for a long second half with three freshmen and other varsity newcomers on the field. KW failed to score after scoring three goals in the first 29 minutes, and neither did the Wolverines.

“On a team with so many seniors, it was really nice to see our freshmen step up and get a lot of playing time and be able to take care of themselves when the situation calls for it,” Riering said. Ta. “There were periods where Riverton had the ball, but it was good to see the young kids trying to find a way out of the situation. It was great to see him fall into the role.'' Don't get frustrated, try to find the right key and unlock it.'' ”

Hill echoed the coach's statement.

“Our freshmen know how to play and there's a reason they're on the varsity team,” she said. “With so many seniors graduating, they had some roles, so it was great to see them step up into their roles and really help the team.

“And I was really proud of Haley,” Hill added. “It was really exciting to see her score a great headed goal in an important conference game.”