Lady Kats Show Growth in Home Opener Against Oak Hill
By Elizabeth Rayl | Aug 21, 2025 5:32 AM
What a night for the Kokomo Lady Kats, as they hosted Oak Hill on Wednesday in their first home game of the season. With cooler temperatures setting the stage, the Kats came ready to compete. Kokomo opened the match with strong defensive play, working together to push the ball forward and generate early chances. Despite the team’s energy, Oak Hill’s standout forward Landri Hardman struck three times in the first half to give the visitors the lead. Even so, the Lady Kats displayed tremendous resilience. Izzy Riggs, Isla Duncan, Karla Gilar, Mattie Rayl, and Gisella Herrera all played the entire match, showing grit and determination from start to finish. Defenders Ashley Corrales and Nevaeh Wilson were tasked with marking Hardman, and both impressed with their speed and tenacity. In the second half, Kokomo showed its character. With three senior starters sidelined, players stepped into new roles and worked hard to communicate and stay organized. The adjustments paid off—the Lady Kats held Oak Hill scoreless after halftime. Kameya McClatchey stepped into goal in a selfless move for her team and recorded a second-half shutout. Meanwhile, Jay’Onna Spratt, Euna Kim, and Elaina Gibson demonstrated their versatility and team-first mindset by filling multiple positions with maximum effort. Although the final score didn’t go in Kokomo’s favor, the game was a promising showcase of the team’s potential. The Lady Kats improved from their season opener, and the future looks bright for this young group. Kokomo will be back in action on Tuesday, when they host Marion. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the Lady Kats as they continue their journey this season.