Platte County shakes off tough start, shows potential in pair of dominant conference wins

After enduring the difficult opening stretch of the season, Platte County’s youthful lineup showed expected promise in a pair of Suburban Conference White Division victories at home this past week. Addison Stone, a speedy sophomore forward, netted a hat trick Monday against Truman at Pirate Stadium, and the Pirates were even more dominant, although inefficient, in Thursday’s 4-0 shutout of William Chrisman on Thursday night.

Platte County (2-3) put up a staggering 29 shots on goal against the Bears but didn’t score after halftime in what could have — and should have — been a more lopsided margin of victory.

“It’s definitely just in that offensive third. We just need to work on finishing and connecting up top,” Platte County senior midfielder Saige Dickens said.

Due to absences and injuries, Platte County tightened rotations, and sophomore goalkeeper Harper Dudley produced the first cleansheet of the season. The defense started to take more formal shape with sophomore Emily Fadler and senior Kaylee Dixon in the middle and junior Caroline Linn and freshman Addison Linn on the outside.

William Chrisman rarely threatened with Dudley making just one save.

That allowed Platte County to stay on the attack, and freshman midfielder Ella Miller took advantage with her first two career goals. She tapped home a corner kick from fellow freshman midfielder Mary Dellinger in the fourth minute and doubled the Pirates’ lead with a rebound in the seventh.

Stone scored seconds later, but the 3-0 score remained until Doll poked home a rebound with just over 6 minutes left before halftime to open Platte County’s four-goal lead. The Pirates continued to pressure after the break, hitting the crossbar twice and repeatedly hitting shots straight at the goalkeeper or wide of the target and did not score again.

While Dickens, Stone, Fadler and Caroline Linn were all full-time starters last season, Platte County used three freshmen, including Greta Espeer, plus sophomore Ainsley Habel alongside Dickens in a rebuilt midfield against William Chrisman. The Pirates were without seniors Kiara Smith (ankle) and Carissa Bacon (head) were both out, while junior forward Amela Dzilic was unavailable.

In addition, Platte County went into the season needing to replace four-year starter and 2025 all-state performer Finley Kaser at goalkeeper. Dudley, junior Agum Oak and freshman Kylie Hall have all been vying for time, while senior Anna Wiesehan — one of just three substitutes used against the Bears — filled in during the season-opening Platte County Invitational.

Doll, who missed the start of the season with an ankle injury, and sophomore Katelyn Newberry were the other reserves.

Platte County returns to action Tuesday at Fort Osage before hosting Ruskin on Thursday. The Pirates currently sit at 2-1 in White Division play having lost to Grain Valley in the opener after their home tournament.

“We definitely got more practices in (after the loss to Grain Valley) and working together as a team and that chemistry is just getting stronger,” Dickens said.

Platte County 4, Truman 1

Dickens recorded a pair of first-half assists, and Stone scored twice after halftime to complete her hat trick Monday at Pirate Stadium.

Platte County’s first win of the season started slower, but Stone’s opener in the 19th minute provided an early lead. Dickens’ corner led to a goal for Espeer in the 31st minute, but the Pirates went into halftime with a 2-1 lead after Truman slipped a goal past Dudley, who made one save, just before the break.

“I think that was really good to just get our team going. Getting our goal first in the game before the other team scores is really good,” Stone told Platte County wrestling coach Reggie Burress after the game.

Stone’s final two goals 62nd and 70th minute with the second coming on an assist from Caroline Linn.