By KLINT SPILLER

kspiller@dailynews.net

The Hays High School boys' soccer team might not have recorded as many shots on goal as Great Bend, but when the Indians did, they took advantage of their opportunities.

The Indians won their biggest match so far this season, defeating Great Bend 3-1 on Monday at HHS Field.

It's the first time Hays High (3-3, 1-1 WAC) has beaten Great Bend since 2010.

"Great Bend-Hays has been a rivalry, and it will always be a rivalry," said Hays High soccer coach Chris Michaelis.

The Panthers (3-2, 2-1 WAC) came into the match at the top of the conference standings and ranked No. 4 in Class 5A, according to the most recent Kansas Soccer Coaches Association poll.

"It was a huge win," said Hays High senior right back Brady Kenton.

Great Bend finished with 11 shots on goal to Hays High's five, but the Indians had better shots. Hays High's defense also kept the Panthers out of the box for the majority of the match, forcing long shots.

"Coach told us they were going to play long ball over the top," Kenton said. "We just looked for a cross, and as soon as we did, we just had to get out on them and make sure they didn't play it in."

The wind was gusting Monday, but surprisingly, the Indians actually scored more goals playing against the wind than they did with the wind in their faces.

Hays High junior forward Jordan Windholz scored the opening goal in the 11th minute.

Windholz waited inside the box for a lob pass from senior Cody Brown. The ball bounced past Great Bend goalkeeper Edgar Garcia, and Windholz kicked it in for his ninth goal this season, already tying his total from last season in just his sixth match.

In the second half, Hays High scored both goals off set pieces.

On a corner kick, freshman Riley Zimmerman headed in a cross from senior midfielder Kellen Griffin in the 55th minute. It was Zimmerman's first goal of his varsity career.

Junior midfielder Lane Clark scored on a header off a set apiece in the 67th minute. Brown provided the assist for Clark's goal.

"We try to spend time every practice working on our set plays," Michaelis said. "You've got to take advantage of those opportunities. We were fortunate enough to do that."

Great Bend tallied a goal late, but it was after Hays High already had done its damage. Junior Ivan Galindo scored on an assist from senior Javier Guerra.

Hays High senior goalkeeper Josh Johnson finished with 10 saves to Garcia's two.

"He's like a brick wall," Michaelis said regarding Johnson's performance.

The match got heated at times, and the officials gave a flurry of cards. Two of Great Bend's players received red carded for dissent -- senior Alex Urias and junior Michael Prieto in the 60th minute and after the match, respectively.

No Hays High players received red cards.

"As the game progressed into the second half, Great Bend did become a little more frustrated," Michaelis said. "That's unfortunate for them but fortunate for us."

The Indians return to action at 4 p.m. Thursday at HHS Field against Dodge City.