Butler handles Hesston 4-0 in Region VI opener

The Butler soccer team has still never lost a Region VI quarterfinal contest in the program's history, moving on to the semifinals for the 12th consecutive season with a 4-0 win over Hesston on Saturday afternoon at BG Products Veterans Sports Complex.

The top-seeded and No. 6-ranked Grizzlies (19-2) scored two goals in each half on their way to the win over Hesston, which sees its season end with a 6-13-2 record. With the victory, Butler advances to take on arch-rival Hutchinson in the semifinals at 11 a.m. on Thursday morning at Hummer Sports Park on Topeka. Hutchinson went on the road and defeated fourth-seeded Coffeyville 2-1 in double overtime.

Butler's first goal came in the 23rd minute, when Vanessa Campos sent a pass across the face of the goal that was slotted into the net by Maddie Decker.

In the 39th minute, the Grizzlies scored on a corner kick from Paige Thompson that was heded into the goal by Darci Nightengale.

In the 71st minute, Kelly Sutton sent a shot that bounced off the keeper's hands. A Hesston defender was trying to clear the ball in front of the net, but Brittney Lawrence was able to get the ball across the line instead, making it a 3-0 contest.

Butler's final goal came from the feet of Morgan Foster. She took a pass near midfield, outran three Hesston defenders and moved around the keeper to send the ball on the ground just inside the left post. The goal is her 40th of the season, putting her in the national lead for goals scored in the NJCAA this year.

Alex Shimp got her first start in goal and posted the shutout without even having to make a save.