APRIL 2, 2024 EDITION SPORTS EDITOR: BECKY WALZ + BECKY.WALZ@DRIFTLESSJOURNAL.COM
DHS girls fall to No. 13 Hempstead
On the pitch this season for the Decorah girls’ soccer team will be (front, l-r) Kathryn Kelly, Sara Johanningmeier, Erika Valdez Gonzalez, Tegyn Sanderman, Cassie Wilkins, Hannah Arendt, Kera Walter, Allisson Ortiz, Elsa Christman, Ellie Rolfs; (middle row) Abbeke Jensen (manager), Anastasia Simon, Kinley Leliefeld, Karmyn Bakken, Mara Baumann, Jessalyn Lozano, Klara Kelly, Lydia Monreal-Rice, Lily Swenson, Marley Harmening, Stella Grinna, Nora Lesmeister; (back) Assistant Coach Kyrie Jorgenson, Amelia Wadsworth, Clara Hjelle, Gabrielle Dixon, Kyra O’Hara, Savannah O’Reilly, Zoe Gerber, Vivian Searcy, Greta Jones, Abbie Valkosky, Elayna Hook, Addy Lukes-Smith and Head Coach Loren Hendrickson. Not pictured are Anopa Mtisi (manager) and Hilary Junech Solovi. (Photo courtesy of Tami Bohr)
The first game of the season brought Class 3A No. 13th Dubuque Hempstead (2-0) to Decorah (0-1) to face a revamped Decorah girls’ soccer team who graduated eight starters from a year ago, falling 5-0, Thursday at home. The Vikings held their own for the majority of the first half allowing only one penalty-kick goal against Hempstead’s high-powered attack. The second half was a different story as the Vikes tired allowing Hempstead to dominate possession. When the dust cleared, Hempstead had scored an additional four goals in the second half for the final margin of victory. Decorah was unable to get a shot on the goal, while Clara Hjelle stood solid with 25 saves as goalie. “My only hope is that this loss turned up the fire in our girls. I am hopeful they can recommit themselves to the work necessary to make us more competitive,” said Coach Loran Hendrickson. The Vikings will be back on their home pitch Thursday, April 4, as Decorah hosts North Fayette Valley at 5 p.m.
Looking for some wins; DHS girls’ soccer has high hopes The Decorah girls’ soccer team is focused this season as the Vikings are looking to transfer hard work and talent into a winning mark for 2024. Leading the way is head coach Loran Hendrickson who is in his sixth season at the helm of the program. Coming up short With a strong group of 14 returning letter winners, the Vikes struggled to gel on the pitch, finishing with a 6-9 record. Decorah opened the postseason strong against West Delaware with a 10-0 victory
in Class 1A Region 8. Kylie O’Hara and Grace Neal scored hat tricks for the Vikes to lead the way. However, 10th-ranked Hudson bounced Decorah out of the running to state in overtime, 1-0, in the quarterfinal. Graduating from that squad were Mya Redenius, Ellen Rooney, Grace Neal, Ella Grouws, Madison Heim, Thea Schissel, Ada Lovelace, Isabella Bishop, Kylie O’Hara and Amelia Dugger. Ready for the pitch Having lost eight starters to graduation, the Vikings have
some big shoes to fill, but there are some key returnees ready to lead the youth. Among those Coach Hendrickson is looking to set an example are Gabrielle Dixon, Elayna Hook, Sara Johanningmeier, Addison LukesSmith, Amelia Wadsworth, Clara Hjelle, Nora Lesmeister and Ana Simon. The veterans will be joined on varsity by seniors Lydia Monreal-Rice, Abbie Volkosky; juniors Ellie Rolfs, Greta Jones, Savannah O’Reilly, Kera Walter; and sophomores Elsa Christman and Lily Swenson.
“There are some midfielders I expect to blossom as they are given more playing time this year,” the coach said. “I also hope to see development from our inside defense and goalkeeping. The success of the season depends on the amount and pace of improvement. There could be significant movement of personnel between varsity and JV, depending on who can grab the opportunity and run with it.”
Decorah girls’ varsity soccer schedule
DINING GUIDE
All varsity matches begin at 5 p.m., unless noted otherwise
Members of the Viking girls’ soccer team returning with a letter are (l-r) Clara Hjelle, Amelia Wadsworth, Gabrielle Dixon, Elayna Hook, Sara Johanningmeier and Addy Lukes-Smith. (Photo courtesy of Tami Bohr) RIGHT: Parker Heiselman dribbles around a Cedar Falls defender Thursday. BELOW: Viking goalie Caleb Meyer dives for a save Thursday as Noah Milburn comes to assist in clearing the goal area. The Decorah boys’ soccer team (0-1) was on the road, playing Cedar Falls (1-0-1) Thursday, dropping the match 3-0. (Photos courtesy of Heather Benzing)
April 4 vs. North Fayette Valley April 8 at Independence, 7 p.m. April 11 at Mason City April 15 vs. Dubuque Senior April 16 vs. Clayton Ridge April 19 vs. Clear Lake April 23 vs. Waverly-Shell Rock April 30 at New Hampton May 2 vs. Union May 4 at Waverly-Shell Rock tnmt., 9 a.m. May 4 at North Fayette Valley May 9 vs. Denver
Addison Lukes-Smith winds up for a pass as a Dubuque Hempstead defender rushes the ball in Thursday’s home opener. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)
Eat. Gather. Nurture.
211 College Dr., Decorah • 563-277-1893
www.thelandingmarket.com
DECORAH Magpie Cafe & Coffeehouse
202 W. Water St., Decorah (563) 387-0593 Open Wed-Sun 7:30a - 2p Serving coffee & drinks, baked goods, breakfast, lunch, tap beer, mimosas & Bloody Marys. Featuring a rotating menu of seasonal specialty coffee drinks. Cozy coffeehouse in downtown Decorah. View menu & order online at mymagpiecoffee.com.
FOLLOW US!
Don Jose Mexican Family Restaurant
201 E. Water St., Decorah (563) 382-6052 Open for indoor dining: Tues, Wed, Thur, Sun 11-9; Fri & Sat 119:30; Closed Mondays. Still encouraging take out orders. Homemade, fresh Mexican food.
Sports Bar & Grill CALMAR Scan the T-Bock’s 206 West Water St., Decorah QR codes tos (563) 382-5970 U-2 BBQ & Catering 1676 Hwy. 52, Calmar view menu Kitchen hours: Sun-
The Landing Market
211 College Dr., Decorah (563) 277-1893 The building, The Buzz and Spectrum Made with Love open Sun-Wed 7:30a-7p and Thurs-Sat 7:30a-11p; Justin’s open Sun-Wed 8am-2pm and Thurs-Sat 8a-7p. Check thelandingmarket.com, for online ordering, individual vendor hours and menus. The Landing Market is a modern food hall. Home to local vendors including The Buzz, Justin’s, Root 43, assorted craft beverages, graband-go options and more!
Mon 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wed-Sat 11 a.m 10 p.m.; Closed Tues. Bar may stay open later if there’s a game or crowd. Daily lunch specials. Large variety of tap and local beers! Great Bloody Marys! Best wings around! Great place to bring the family! Lots of TVs! View menus at www.tbocks.com.
(563) 562-3929 Full-line catering & custom meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner; traditional meals; BBQ; available for graduation parties, weddings, reunions, company picnics. Succulent salads, wholesome veggies & potatoes, delicious desserts, deluxe catering, party planners and trays.
ROSSVILLE
The Old Rossville Store
851 Volney Rd., Rossville, between Waukon & Marquette (563) 535-7272 Open Tuesday - Thursday 4-7, Friday & Saturday 4-8. Closed Sunday & Monday. Nightly Specials: Tuesday Jumbo Shrimp or Ham Steak; Wednesday - 1/2 Broasted Chicken; Thursday - Baby Back BBQ Pork Ribs; Friday Beer Battered or Broiled Cod; Saturday - Prime Rib.
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