The St. Pius X soccer team blew through the Fox Invitational like a massive spring thunderstorm, causing power outages in all three games.
The Lancers won the tournament for the second year in a row by shutting out Windsor High 4-0, Bishop DuBourg 5-0 and Perryville High 4-0 March 23-26 in Arnold. St. Pius already had a 6-1 victory (March 20) over Sullivan to kick off its season. Playing their fourth game in six days, the Lancers suffered their first defeat of the season in Belleville, Ill., losing 2-0 to a talented Althoff squad.
The win over Perryville is doubly important because the Pirates are in Class 2 District 1 with the Lancers. St. Vincent of Perryville shut out St. Pius 1-0 in last year’s district championship game. The Lancers hosted St. Vincent on Wednesday after deadline. The Lancers’ last district title was in 2023, the year after they finished second in the state in Class 1.
“We are a team that likes to possess and build from the back in the defense and middle thirds of the field,” St. Pius head coach Pam Zaring said. “We hope to have an efficient and aggressive approach in the attacking third providing more of an offensive threat.”
Senior midfielder Emma Miller, freshmen Lia Kohler and Kiley McGrath and junior midfielder Heidi Vatterott scored the St. Pius goals against Perryville in the final.
In the win over the Cavaliers, Vatterott led the Lancers with five points (two goals, one assist). Kohler (one goal, two assists) and Miller (one goal, one assist) were the other scoring leaders.
Against the Owls, Miller (two goals, one assist) had a five-point night, Kohler and McGrath scored and Vatterott had two assists.
An offensive identity began to take shape from the opener when Kohler netted the team’s only hat trick – so far. Freshman midfielder Reese Hermann scored her first two varsity goals.
Sophomore goalkeeper Caitlyn Meyer has three shutouts, one being shared with freshman Brooke Govero.
Meyer played in limited minutes last year, but the graduation of Kadyn Gottman opened the door for her takeover in goal.
Protecting a young goalie is the job of a veteran backfield comprised of all seniors. Abby Miller is a four-year starter, and she’s joined by McKenzie McNutt, Gabby Mueller and Abigail Rohe.
The St. Pius center midfield has senior Mabel Sanders, Vatterott, and junior Abby Koepke. Sanders and Vatterott were selected to the all district team and Vatterott was all all-regional last year.
“I am so proud of how strong they play together,” Zaring said. “This is such a special group.”
Emma Miller, Kohler and Hermann are all dynamic players, Zaring said. Emma Miller is returning after a season riddled with injuries.
“She is an incredibly special player that we are excited to have healthy again,” Zaring said. “Lia and Reese have already made their stamp as freshmen. We are excited for them! Lia and Reese bring a breath of freshness to our program as seasoned, strong players.”
Freshman Ava Vogelsang and McGrath will be competing for starting positions.
“This freshman class is incredibly exciting and dynamic,” Zaring said.
St. Pius hosts Metro on Monday, April 6 and Union High on Wednesday, April 8.
“Our goal this season is to play to our full potential putting together some great ball movement and score a lot of goals,” Zaring said. “Most importantly, we hope the girls continue to love to play the game.”