By RICHIE HALL
Reporter Sports Editor
Call them fighters, call them comeback queens.
Above all, call the Noblesville girls soccer team Hoosier Crossroads Conference champions.
The Millers clinched the HCC title Wednesday night, coming back to beat Hamilton Southeastern 3-2 on the Royals field. With the win, Class 3A No. 6 Noblesville finished conference play at 4-0-2, getting past two more 3A powerhouses, the No. 8 Royals and No. 9 Zionsville in what had become a complicated three-team race for the HCC trophy.
“This team’s fought all season,” said Noblesville coach Mike Brady.
All of the goals were scored in the second half, this after a well-played first half that saw both teams have plenty of chances. Southeastern was the first to break through when sophomore Layla Brown tapped in the game’s first goal in the 47th minute.
But a couple minutes later, Noblesville senior Abby Martin got a penalty kick opportunity, which she easily put into the net. That was with 31:51 left in the game. The Royals answered right away, with freshman Izzie Wallace firing in a goal exactly 39 seconds later. Brown had the assist.
Southeastern held the lead until the 17:42 mark, when Carly Hundall found the back of the net on a hard kick. That tied the game at 2-2, but a tie wouldn’t win the Millers the conference. They had to win the game or else.
It took them a few minutes, but Noblesville got the winning goal, with junior Keeley Hoopingarner placing the ball into the net. That was with 6:37 left in the game, and the Millers held on from there.
“Keeley, like the rest of them, has that energy level that lifts everybody up,” said Brady. The coach said that whenever Hoopingarner was on the field, good things happen for Noblesville – and they did on Wednesday night.
Right after the Millers completed their victory, many eyes were directed towards many phones to await the result of Wednesday’s Zionsville-Brownsburg game. If the Eagles won, Noblesville would have to share the HCC crown.
But the No. 14 Bulldogs beat Zionsville 2-1, so the Millers had the championship all to themselves. Brady informed his team of the result, and the cheering started.
“Conference title is pretty impressive for this group, but it’s something that we’re going to enjoy right now, as you can see, and then we start training for the state tournament tomorrow,” said Brady.
Noblesville finished its regular season 10-2-3, while Southeastern completed the regular season 11-5-1.
GREYHOUNDS WIN MIC
Carmel, the third ranked team in 3A, completed an undefeated Metropolitan Conference season Wednesday with a 2-0 victory at 3A No. 20 Center Grove.
The Greyhounds scored a goal in each half, both of them coming early. Kelsie James got the first score, just 1:45 into the game, with Katie Soderstrom providing the assist. Susie Soderstrom then scored Carmel’s second goal, with Morgan Parker assisting.
Emily Melchi made four saves in goal.
Finishing the regular season with a game for the conference title is always great,” said Greyhounds coach Frank Dixon. “It seems like we have been doing this with Center Grove forever. We needed a win or tie this evening to secure the title and the girls got the job done. This is the fourth straight title for this group of seniors and they are all proud of the accomplishment.”
Carmel finished its regular season at 13-1-2.
‘HAWKS TIE TIPTON
Sheridan finished its regular season at Tipton Wednesday, playing to a 0-0 tie.
Renee Zachery earned Player of the Game honors for her steady play in several different positions. Blackhawks coach Kurtis Olsan said the Blackhawks improved over their game last week at University, and this should give Sheridan some confidence heading into sectionals.
The ‘Hawks finish the regular season at 6-6-3.
TIGERS TIE HARRISON
Fishers, ranked No. 13 in 3A, played to a 3-3 tie with 3A No. 17 Harrison on Wednesday.
Maddie Essick, Taryn McFarland and Gretchen Mills each scored a goal for the Tigers, who finished the regular season 6-5-4.
The Noblesville girls soccer team beat Hamilton Southeastern to win the Hoosier Crossroads Conference championship on Wednesday. The Millers came back from a goal down to win 3-2. (Richie Hall)