Soccer Eagles win Badger Small

There is always great debate which conference is the strongest in each particular sport. When it comes to girls soccer, though, there’s no disputing that the Badger Small Conference is in the discussion as the state’s premier league. Sauk Prairie has been to three straight WIAA Division 2 state tournaments. McFarland, Edgewood and Mount Horeb are all ranked in Division 3 the latest Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association poll. So when the Eagles defeated Mount Horeb, 4-0, on May 23 to capture the league title, there was tremendous reason for celebration, merriment and revelry. “To come out on top of this conference speaks volumes to these girls and the work they have put in all season,” Eagles coach Drew Kornish said afterwards. “It is great recognition for a team that worked hard to deserve it.” Sauk Prairie finished the conference season with a 6-0-1 mark, edging runner-up McFarland (6-1-0). Edgewood (4-2-1) and Mount Horeb (3-2-2) rounded out the top half of this loaded league. Sauk Prairie struck for a goal in the 16th minute when Marin Alisch scored off an assist from Kenzi Kliest. The Eagles had opportunities the rest of the half, but couldn’t finish and led, 1-0, at the break. “The remainder of the half saw us with a few more chances, but nothing on the scoreboard to show for it,” Kornish said. “We knew we would need a few more goals to see it out as Mount Horeb has a really good attack with the ability to pull one back at any point.” Sauk Prairie pushed its lead to 2-0 in the 54th minute with a finish by McKenna Breunig on an assist from McKayla Paukner. Alexis Atkinson made it 3-0 in the 57th minute when she poked home a free kick that was played in by Paukner.  Audrey Brickl then had an unassisted goal in the 64th minute.  “We came into this game very prepared and determined to improve upon our recent run of play,” Kornish said. “Overall a great way to head into the tournament.” And what a tournament it could be. Sauk Prairie received the No. 4 seed in its sectional and opened the postseason by hosting 13th-seeded Portage/Poynette in a regional semifinal Tuesday. If the Eagles won there, they’d host either fifth-seeded DeForest or 12th-seeded Fort Atkinson in a regional final on Saturday. The sectional semifinals are June 6 and the sectional finals are June 8. Oregon, the No. 1-ranked team in Division 2, is the No. top-seed in the sectional. Eighth-ranked Westosha Central and No. 9 Elkhorn are the No. 2 and 3 seeds. With so much star power in the sectional, the Eagles’ path to a fourth straight state tournament appearance will be remarkably challenging. “This postseason will be a bit different than previous ones as our sectional was moved,” Kornish said. “I am looking forward to seeing how far this team is able to go.”