Emporia High School’s girls soccer team delivered a commanding performance in their regional playoff opener, defeating Great Bend 3-1 on Tuesday night.
A Historic Win
The Lady Spartans struck first, with Ariella Macias finding the net in the opening half to put the visitors ahead 1-0. The early goal set the tone for a disciplined defensive effort that would dominate much of the match.
Emersyn Johnson, the team’s standout forward, doubled the lead shortly thereafter, finishing a swift counter‑attack that left Great Bend scrambling. Her brace would prove decisive, but the opposition refused to go quietly.
Great Bend narrowed the gap late in the game, pulling one back to make it 2-1. The momentum shifted briefly, but Johnson’s composure under pressure shone through as she struck again in the dying minutes to seal a 3-1 victory.
The win marks Emporia’s first postseason victory since 2009 and improves their season record to 11‑6. It also fulfills a preseason goal of advancing to the second round, a milestone that has eluded the program for over a decade.
Next up, the Lady Spartans will travel to face Bishop Carroll in the regional championship, a rematch that promises another tightly contested battle.