By KLINT SPILLER

kspiller@dailynews.net

Though his team suffered a 5-0 loss to Hays High, Thomas More Prep-Marian girls' soccer coach Darryl Wellbrock had a bit of a bounce to his step following the game.

The reason: His young squad, who have struggled all season, played some quality soccer. The score line just didn't reflect it.

"The girls played very well," Wellbrock said. "We see improvement at every practice. I'm sure the adrenaline was really flowing well for the girls in this game, too. They want to play, and that helps."

Hays High (9-3) dominated the possession, as TMP (0-9) only got one corner kick and had no shots on goal.

The Indians had 20 shots on goal, and Hays High junior goalkeeper Laura Truman only touched the ball once all game when she caught a through ball that was passed too far in front of a TMP forward.

Nevertheless, it was a closer game than the first time they played each other when TMP lost 9-0 at TMP Field.

Wellbrock said TMP played better defense and didn't give up, crediting his team's increased fitness level and more youthful lineup, deciding to start freshmen Alyssa Keil and McKenna Duffy.

"The main thing I want is somebody with aggression and who wants to play," Wellbrock said.

Hays High head coach Chris Michaelis said he was satisfied with his team's effort.

"We did some things OK," Michaelis said. "Some other things we definitely have to make improvements on. The good thing is we get to practice tomorrow and try to get those things corrected."

The Indians scored twice in the first half.

Junior striker Taylor Herman got the ball off a deflection and kicked it into the left side of the goal in the 34th minute.

A minute later, senior forward Shannon Shubert shot the ball from about 20 yards out over the outstretched hands of TMP junior goalkeeper Andie Marsell.

Shubert scored her second goal four minutes into the second half, kicking an arcing shot from about 25 yards out into the top left corner of the goal.

Shubert only had one goal this season prior to Thursday, and she would have scored two more if her goals weren't called back for off sides.

"I am really excited," she said. "I haven't scored (much) all season. ... I really wish those other two would have counted."

Sophomore Alexa Brull scored the fourth goal for Hays High in the 59th minute, as Herman slipped the ball to her near the goal.

Sophomore Reagan Kaiser scored last for Hays High, as she tapped in a deflected header from close range.

Shubert said it was "amazing" playing on FHSU's turf field, and Michaelis expressed his appreciation to the university for allowing them to play there and to FHSU women's coach Craig Shaw for extending the invitation.

"It is a great atmosphere for our kids and our fans, and it is a great honor to be able to play out here," Michaelis said.

Though TMP hasn't won yet this season, Wellbrock said the coaches are trying to keep the kids upbeat.

"We are going to go game to game and ... keep the faith," he said. "If we play like this against some of the teams we are going back against, I think we are going to see a victory out of the girls."