Kewpies rule with LaRue

After two consecutive ties between the Rock Bridge and Hickman girls soccer teams, something had to give. That something was Kewpies freshman Katie LaRue, fresh from the junior varsity ranks.

LaRue scored both Kewpies’ goals, one in each half, to lead Hickman to a 2-1 victory over the Bruins on Wednesday at Rock Bridge Field.

Rock Bridge senior Rachael Dillon scored the Bruins’ only goal of the game off a corner kick from senior Erin Bucko in the 32nd minute of the second half.

The goal, which Rock Bridge coach Kelly Gates saw as a turning point, might have come too late.

“After we got our goal, we really wanted it,” Gates said. “We got a taste of it, and it became more of a reachable goal when it went from a two-goal to a one-goal game.”

Despite the loss, Dillon said the game was well played on both sides.

“I don’t think there was a huge difference,” Dillon said. “I think that we would just break down every once in a while. Come districts we’ll have them.”

Rock Bridge might not survive another breakdown with LaRue in Hickman’s lineup.

LaRue came into soccer tryouts injured, which coach Jon Strodtman said prevented the coaches from getting a good look at her.

Strodtman said that when they needed another striker, the obvious choice was LaRue.

Since playing her first varsity game against Jefferson City on April 17, LaRue has been a consistent starter for the Kewpies. Her two goals against Rock Bridge increased her varsity goal total to three.

Strodtman said that since he moved LaRue up to varsity, he has seen her improve every game, becoming more accustomed to the increased physicality and speed.

“She’s really improving and only a freshman,” Strodtman said. “You’re going to hear her name a lot. She’s a go-getter. I mean she’s relentless. She fought and fought and fought, and she did a good job today and got rewarded.”