TOPEKA, Kan. – Sophomore midfielder Jaclyn Means scored two goals to help No. 5 Butler advance to the Region VI Championship game with a 2-0 win over Barton on Thursday at Hummer Park. The title appearance marks the sixth consecutive year that the Grizzlies have made the Region VI final.
The top-seeded Grizzlies (18-2-0 overall, 11-0-0 conference) move to Friday's 10 a.m. championship against Johnson County, who defeated No. 18 Hutchinson 4-1 in Thursday's second semifinal game.
Butler broke the scoreless tie late in the first half when Means scored in the 42nd minute. Lauren Allan fed a pass from the left side to Means, who hit a left-footed strike inside the upper right post.
In the 81st minute, Means provided insurance for Butler with a sliding goal, which was assisted by Sheree Molina. The second score marked the third time this season that Means has scored two or more goals in a contest.
Freshman goalkeeper Jami Reichenberger recorded her 15th shutout, which moves her into first place for most single-season shutouts in a season. Reichenberger made three saves in the contest. Butler had 17 shots with 13 on goal, while Barton took eight shots with three on goal.
Friday's Region VI winner will advance to the NJCAA National Tournament in Melbourne, Fla., which will be held Nov. 16-21. The Grizzlies will be seeking their fifth straight appearance to the national tourney.
NOTES: Butler is now 9-5 overall in Region VI semifinal games and 2-2 overall against Barton in Region VI playoff contests... The Grizzlies are 6-1 against Johnson County in Region VI playoff contests, including a 2-1 series lead in Region VI title games.
