Pyne’s goal seals DCG soccer win, girls tennis plays first

Like many others, the Mustangs weren't able to dodge the weather and had multiple events canceled, limiting their opportunities. That didn't mean they didn't impress though. (Note: Events covered March 28 - April 2)

Taking part in an eight-team Early Bird meet in Waukee on March 30, the Mustangs found themselves in sixth place with 56 points.

For those looking at the conference odds already, Pella pushed out 137 points for third place.

Considering that crowded field, the highest Dallas Center-Grimes ever climbed was fourth place for Ben Every in the 1,600-meter run which he paced at 4 minutes 38 seconds. He was tailed immediately by Sam Mora (4:40) and Elias Arbuckle (4:41).

Keeping the Ramsey name alive and well after Aiden Ramsey won multiple titles last year, freshman Cael Ramsey pulled in a fifth place time of 2:11 in the 800-meter run. That was the top time among all underclassmen.

Right behind him in terms of solo points, Aidan Charlson's 44-foot-8.5 shot put throw placed sixth.

Among an elite group of teams at the March 28 invitational in Waukee, the Mustangs found contributions from names both new and old.

Leading the Mustangs in solo points, Kileigh Lachacz wound up in second place in both the shot put and discus — finding a new rival along the way. Ankeny's Kendra Winfrey won both events — something that could be bulletin board material for a potential Drake Relays meeting.

Maddy Stevens also earned a second place ribbon in the 800-meter run at 2 minutes 31.6 seconds. She placed fifth in the 3,000.

And making a name for herself to start her high school career, Chloe Wanat's 15-foot-4.5 long jump landed her in fourth place. That was second among underclassmen. Sophomore teammate Sophia Bauman was three inches behind her.

The Mustangs’ season got off to an exciting start to the season, marking their game with an exclamation point.

Knotted up with Johnston with 20 minutes left in regulation, Eddie Pyne scored the go-ahead goal with 37 seconds on the clock to give the Mustangs a 3-2 win over the Dragons. Not only did that seal the W, but it was also Pyne's first varsity goal after appearing in five games last season as a sophomore.

Contributing DCG's first two goals were Wisley Kabamba and Zach Bruck. They both scored one goal last season for the Mustangs off the bench.

Helping contain the game as long as possible, Jaden Mendias saved 13 shots from the Dragons. By comparison, Johnston's goalie allowed three into the net while only needing to save two times.

The Mustangs opened the year with a solid 2-1 win over Johnston on March 28 but split their next two over the weekend in Council Bluffs.

Taking on back-to-back Nebraska Class B state champion, Skutt Catholic, the Mustangs fell 1-0 after giving up a goal in the first half.

Along with that close contest, DCG blew the doors off Sioux Cith North with a 7-0 win thanks to four goals from junior Kylie Knief. Alexa Gill, Olivia Cyr and Hannah Renz all got on the scoreboard as well.

Dallas Center took to the clay for the first time in school history and faced Waukee Northwest on March 30. The same could be said for Northwest in the school's inaugural season, but the Wolves won the series 10-1. Individual set scores were not available.

"It was a fun night being able to compete and represent our school. Isabelle Soults had an impressive match getting a win at the #1 singles position," head coach Joshua Tucker told the Dallas County News. "This was a good experience for us as none of the girls had ever played singles matches before tonight. Many of them had played doubles matches last season while competing in the co-op with Johnston. Which showed as we were more competitive in those matches."

The Mustang boys looked to make their mark in their first-ever match on April 4, played after printing deadlines.