Aplington-Parkersburg and Dike-New Hartford meeting in girls soccer rivalry
The Aplington-Parkersburg and Dike-New Hartford girls soccer teams will meet Tuesday in the first of two matchups between the teams this season.
The #3 (1A) Wolverines are 1-0 after a road win over Columbus Catholic on Thursday to begin the season, led by two goals from sophomore Gentry Swarts and six saves by goalkeeper Miranda Tyler. Dike-New Hartford will look to continue its streak of nine straight conference wins, which dates back to the beginning of 2022. Head Coach Kat Bering says performing well against conference opponents will set her team up for future success.
"Winning state is always at the top of our list, but we need to make sure we take one step at a time," Bering says. "Winning the NICL is a big goal for us. Everybody else will be gunning for it too. We've just got to make sure we're stepping it up a notch when we step on that field, make sure we're always setting the tempo. That's a big thing for us."
Due to the postponement of Friday’s game against Belmond-Klemme, it’ll be the season opener for the Falcons. Last season, Aplington-Parkersburg went 2-11, but several key contributors are back. Carley Hook returns for her junior season as a forward/midfielder after leading the team in goals last season. Goalkeeper Kaylee Johnson is back for her senior season, after a save percentage of 75.9 last year.
Dike-New Hartford has won all five meetings since their program began, including three dominant shutouts last season. Tuesday’s game will air on 99 The Wave. Pregame coverage will begin at 5:20 p.m. and the opening kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 at Simons Field in New Hartford.
