Liberal’s Direct Link to Topeka

This never gets old for LHS. The team with two returning starters from last year’s third place team at state is headed back to the final four after a 1-0 win over Hutchinson Tuesday night in front of a big crowd at Redskin Field. Jose Flores found the back of the north net on a direct kick with 38 seconds remaining in the first half. Liberal controlled the ball most of the night in another dominating performance by LHS goalie Frederick Gomez and the Redskin defense who outscored Carroll, McPherson, and Hutchinson 7-0 in three playoff games. LHS head coach Lori Navarro says her team amazes even the coach. “It just gets more and more amazing that it happens to us every year,” Navarro said. “Our kids have the heart to step it up when they need to. Making it to state is becoming a habit. It’s a good habit to get into.” Liberal advances to their sixth final four in seven years. The only year they missed was 2007 when they were ranked number one in the state. Navarro says the Skins came a long way. “It’s unbelievable,” Navarro said. “It’s unbelievable to start a season with such a young team with two starters returning. To get this far and now go to the final four out of 38 teams, that’s a great feeling.” Liberal is 16-3 while the Salthawks finish 14-4-1. LHS graduate and Hutch Athletic Director Eric Armstrong returned for the game. Liberal will be the two seed at the final four at Topeka. There were two upsets in the state last night. Emporia (13-5-1) beat Newton (16-3) 2-1. Bishop Miege (14-4) topped Kansas City Harmon (13-2-1) 3-1. Aquinas (19-0) topped Shawnee Heights (10-9) 2-1. Liberal plays Miege at 7 PM in Topeka after defending state champ Aquinas and Emporia play at 5 PM.