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HAYS - Led by junior Ivan Maldonado’s hat trick, the Hays High boys’ soccer team picked up its first victory on the school’s new field Tuesday night.
The Indians scored four goals in each half en route to an 8-1 win over rival Great Bend in Western Athletic Conference action.
In addition to Maldonado’s three goals, also scoring for Hays High (4-2 overall, 2-1 WAC) were senior Kal Lonsdale and junior Ethan Branaman with two goals each and junior Brecken Otte with one.
HHS’ goalkeeper, junior Cedric Durr, recorded three saves, with Great Bend’s lone goal coming on a penalty kick.
Hays High was called for seven fouls in a physical contest that saw Great Bend whistled for 20 fouls.
The Panthers (1-4) were issued five yellow cards and two red cards, resulting in ejections that forced the visitors to play nearly the last 20 minutes down two players.
It was the Indians’ second win in a week over its long-time rival after shutting out the Panthers 3-0 in Great Bend on Sept. 16.
Next action for Hays High will be Thursday at Garden City for another WAC contest.