Quick-strike Cougars

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Kennedy Cougars were quick responders.

Saddled with a rare early deficit, Class 2A Cedar Rapids Kennedy roared back and defeated No. 10 Linn-Mar, 6-1, in a Mississippi Valley Conference girls' soccer match last night at Kennedy High School.

"We just kept with our game plan," said Kennedy Coach Homer Screws. "We got things sorted out. And we've got a lot of talent."

The Cougars (9-0 overall, 8-0 MVC) exploded for three goals in the first nine minutes of the second half to take the drama out of what had been a very competitive game.

Jade Grimm scored from the left side, then Lauren Hanzelka scored twice in a 32-second span - the first of which caromed off the right post and into the net.

"I just knew I had to get it as far away from the keeper as I could," Hanzelka said. "I knew it had to be in the far corner."

Linn-Mar (6-2, 6-2) took the early lead on a goal by Lindsey Harms. But, as they had when they fell behind Cedar Rapids Xavier this season, the Cougars came right back.

Liz Frerichs scored on a corner kick to get the Cougars even, then Shauna Happel scored on a rebound. Kennedy led 2-1 at intermission.

"I had confidence in the team the whole time," Hanzelka said.

Kennedy's Jenny Snook completed the scoring with 23:50 left.

The Cougars have outscored their first nine opponents 44-3.

"I think we have the best midfield in the state," Screws said. "And Jenny Martin, I think she's the best defender in the state."

Last night's encounter was a breast-cancer awareness match. Kennedy players wore pink uniforms, and the Lions wore black tops with pink trim.