Gutierrez nets hat trick, lifts Cape Central over Sikeston

Cape Central's Celeste Gutierrez (8) shots during a 4-0 win over Sikeston at Bill Lawson Memorial Field on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

SIKESTON — Cape Central secured a decisive 4-0 victory over Sikeston in a SEMO Conference clash at Bill Lawson Memorial Field on Tuesday, April 9.

The match began as a back-and-forth affair, but the Lady Tigers (4-3-0) intensity ramped up as the game progressed, ultimately overwhelming the Lady Bulldogs’ (4-5-0) defense.

“We started a little slow,” said Cape Central coach Duncan McKinley. “It’s tough to get used to the grass since we train on turf all week. But once we found our footing and started connecting passes, I thought we played very well.

Cape Central's Gracyn Morris (7) dribbles during a 4-0 win over Sikeston at Bill Lawson Memorial Field on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“We stepped up and won the balls that [Sikeston] was trying to play over,” He continued. “We figured out that they were trying to play up as quickly and high as they could. Winning that first ball and getting back in possession allowed us to create more chances and ultimately to score some goals.”

Celeste Gutierrez was the catalyst for Cape Central's offense, scoring a hat trick. She found the back of the net for the first time with 12:58 left in the first half, assisted by Allie Cairns.

Sikeston's Hailey Presley (77) goes for a save during a 4-0 loss to Cape Central at Bill Lawson Memorial on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Sikeston's Kennedi Sims nearly responded with an equalizer, but her shot sailed just over the crossbar.

The Lady Tigers then turned up the pressure, with Gutierrez netting her second goal just before halftime.

“They got that first goal and we kind of dropped off,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement. “That second goal was a result of them taking it up a notch and us getting passive with it, allowing them to dictate things more than we should’ve.”

Sikeston's Landry Eason (25) competes during a 4-0 loss to Cape Central at Bill Lawson Memorial Field on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. .

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Sikeston showed renewed aggression in the second half, but Cape Central's defense held firm. Averie Huff assisted both Addisyn Andrews and Gutierrez extending the Tigers' lead and effectively sealing the victory.

The Lady Bulldogs shifted Alex Segers from defense to forward late in the game, and she nearly scored a goal, highlighting their continued fight.

“Our aggression was better and our challenges were stronger in that second half,” Dement said. “We just have to understand to stay active, move and not freeze. That is something we’re going to continue to get better at as we study film and play more together.”

Both teams will compete in the Fralish Cup this weekend in Carbondale, Illinois.

Sikeston takes on Illinois Valley Central (0-8-1) on Friday and Carbondale (5-3-1) on Saturday.

Cape Central faces Anna-Jonesboro (3-7-0) on Friday and will play Alton (0-9-0) and Illinois Valley Central on Saturday.