CONWAY — The high-intensity rival match between the Bryant Hornets and the Conway Wampus Cats Tuesday night came down to penalty kicks after a scoreless 80 minutes of regulation play.
But after Bryant made its first four PK’s, the Conway keeper saved the next two. The Wampus Cats, who had missed on their third attempt on a save by Bryant keeper Logan Valestin, got the final shot through to capture the victory.
The loss snapped an eight-game winning streak for the Hornets who have still not given up a goal in six matches in a row.
“Conway came out the first 15 minutes and gave us all we wanted,” related Bryant coach Jason Hay. “Then we settled in and played well. It was an awesome game to watch and coach in. It was one of those games you hate to see anyone lose because both sides played their guys out.
“We found out a lot about ourselves tonight,” he added. “I’m very proud of them.”
The Hornets took 10 shots on goal in regulation.
In the shootout, Hayden Ray, Dalton Bryant, Krishna Gurung and Andy Doonan accounted for the four successful PK’s.
“Jhorman (Cruz) had number five and the keeper made a good save,” Hay recounted. “Conway made theirs and the keep saved Danny’s (attempt).
“If I could do it again, I would put Jhorman and Danny out there again,” he emphasized. “If it wasn’t for them, we would not be where we are now.”
The Hornets, now 9-2 overall this season, step out of conference play on Thursday to play Hot Springs Lakeside at Bryant Stadium. Their next league match will be against 7A Van Buren at home on Tuesday, April 12.
“We will pick ourselves up tomorrow and get ready for Lakeside,” Hay concluded.
