The Pierre Governor soccer programs came into this season with high expectations. After a hard fought first round loss for the boys, and a cindarella-like run to the semi-finals for the girls, both teams come into 2026 with larger goals on the horizon. Both would face tough tests too in their first action of the year.
Facing the state runner-ups, the boys would fall behind quickly to the Cavaliers on two early goals finished by Oakley McMillen in the fourth and sixth minutes. After digging in their heels, the Govs held the Cavs quiet for the remainder of the first half. However, a few penalty kicks late in the second half paired with a score from the Cavaliers would put it out of reach for the boys as they fell 5-0 and dropped to 0-1-0 to begin the year.
For the girls, playing with many returners yet no seniors, they have all stated that this year has State Championship aspirations surrounding the season. The girls came out looking like a shaken up bottle of pop ready to explode as Lexie Hillmer doused the Lady Cavaliers with offensive pressure. Late in the first half, Cameron Larson put the first goal of the game top-shelf to give the Govs a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, the Cavs came out with a different energy and level of physicallity. That shift led to a Grayson Gerdes equalizer to make it 1-1. Just when it felt like the momentum had changed directions, Micah Klinger and Lexie Hillmer teamed up for a goal that was formed out of pure effort. Up 2-1, Aubrey Fischer and Devyn Van Roekel coordinated an insurance score to help salt away the 3-1 victory.
It will be a quick turnaround for both teams as they will welcome Watertown for a doubleheader on Thursday at PILC, coverage beginning on River 92.7 at 3:30 PM CT with game one beginning at 4:00.
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