Republic honored six seniors before Tuesday’s home finale against Parkview, then watched as all six contributed to an 8-0 victory in the Central Ozark Conference matchup.
Seniors Adison Gibbs, Claire Redman, Kaylee Cornelsen, Sophie Woolfenden, Cadence Lugar, and Giulia Spiridon were recognized in pre-game ceremonies. Five of the six scored during the varsity match, with Redman’s goal at 37:28 of the second half ending the game due to the mercy rule. Spiridon had scored twice in the junior varsity game.
“I look at where we started my first year with them. We were 8‑13, and now we’ve had two seasons above .500,” said Republic coach Jesus Zuniga. “They all bought in and built on what we did last year. This group held everyone else to that standard, and it’s something we can grow from.”
Two freshmen started the scoring before the seniors got in on the act. Andie Wistrom put the ball in the goal with 36:02 left in the first half. Ava Woolley followed four minutes later to make it 2-0. The seniors then took over, with Gibbs scoring on an assist from Cornelsen at 28:27.
Woolfenden made it 4-0 with help from Wistrom at the 20:46 mark. Cornelsen scored unassisted at 16:58, then Lugar found the net with an assist from Redman with 15:56 left in the half. Cornelsen added her second goal of the night at 9:26 to give Republic a 7-0 halftime lead.
Redman’s goal in the second half completed the scoring. She had taken 12 shots before finally finding the net, with her teammates working to set her up throughout the match.
“I took about 12 shots and missed 11, but the team came together and wanted me to score,” Redman said. “It was great seeing all the seniors get a goal tonight.”
“We really wanted Claire to score. She’s the sweetest, the hardest worker, and she was trying all game,” Woolfenden said. “We all wanted her to get it, and she did.”
Redman said it’s “surreal” to come to the end of her home career.
“I’ve made soccer my whole life for the past 12 years, and now it’s coming to a close,” she said. “It feels good to be out here with my team, but I’m going to miss it.”
Woolfenden, who has seen increased varsity playing time this season, reflected on the bond between the seniors.
“The last four years have been so enjoyable because these are all my favorite people,” Woolfenden said. “Tonight was special because we’ve grown so close, especially the senior group. We’re all friends and love each other, and playing with them is my favorite part of every game.”
The seniors sang the national anthem before the game, something they had requested all season, according to Zuniga.
“They try to be humble and classy in everything they do, so when they ask for something—like singing the national anthem—it’s hard for me to say no, because they’ve been invested since day one,” Zuniga said.
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