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Beth Hammons wanted a state title.

But like everyone else who suited up for the Smithville High girls soccer team this spring, she was happy to take home a pair of consolation prizes once the Warriors fell to Villa Duchesne in the Class 2 state championship game.

"No. 2 in the state. And the No. 1 public school. It feels good to get up here," said Smithville High’s junior goaltender.

"The (Smithville) boys have always gotten the attention. We’ve gotten just as far as the boys now."

True enough, with the 2009 campaign in the books, the Warriors never again have to worry about playing second fiddle in their own stadium.

Facing a loaded schedule with some of the best competition the state had to offer, Smithville (24-4-1) took one more step in its progression as a powerhouse. The Warriors followed up on the program’s first district championship with a second consecutive title, in arguably the most competitive Class 2 district in the state.

They followed that by easily dispatching of Jefferson City Helias in the state quarterfinals to advance to their first final four in St. Louis. In the final weekend of play at the Anheuser-Busch Center, Smithville dominated a tradition-rich St. Louis Notre Dame in the semifinals before the 4-1 setback to Duchesne in the title tilt.

Along the way, the Warriors loaded up on both team and individual benchmarks. Start with the impressive list of victories against the likes of Platte County (twice), Notre Dame de Sion and St. Teresa’s that firmly entrenched Smithville near the top of the Class 2 state polls.

Meanwhile, sophomore forward Erin Robinson enjoyed a breakout campaign that saw her score 46 goals, good for third in the Kansas City metro according to youthsoccernet.com. That paved the way to her garnering offensive player of the year honors in Class 2 as voted on by the Missouri State High School Soccer Coaches Association. Joining her on the all-state first team was junior midfielder Alex Olson, while Hammons and sophomore defender Sydney Catlett were second-team picks.

Smithville coach Jon Reed was also voted the public school coach of the year.

Not a bad way for the senior class of Mallory Craig, Kelly Krull and Sydney Mayes to put the wraps on their careers.

"I’m really going to miss my team," Craig said. "This is the best graduation gift I could have asked for. I’m proud of everyone."

Sports Editor Scott Tittrington can be reached at 389-6632 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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