The Carmel girls soccer team defended its Class 3A Sectional 10 championship on Saturday, beating No. 14-ranked North Central 2-0 at the Westfield soccer stadium.
The No. 3-ranked Greyhounds were coming off a huge semi-final game Thursday, beating No. 4-ranked Zionsville, but there was no chance of a letdown. Ninety seconds into the first half, Annika Nelson’s free kick turned into a goal by Olivia Cebalo, and Carmel was immediately up 1-0.
That would be the score through halftime and much of the second half. The ‘Hounds added to their total in the 63rd minute, when Claire Swigart put in a pass from Adalyn Cameron.
“Our coach talked a lot about being focused on the game after the big game,” said Swigart. Carmel’s tough schedule also helped the ‘Hounds to stay focused, as they had played nothing but challenging teams along the way.
“There was never a break,” said Carmel coach Frank Dixon. “And so, I think the kids just got used to it.”
The sectional title was the 18th in program history for the Greyhounds. Carmel is 15-2-2 and hosts Brownsburg in the Regional 5 semi-final Thursday at Murray Stadium.
Huskies also defend sectional title
Hamilton Heights’ girls team also defended its sectional championship on Saturday, but it was a little more dramatic.
The No. 20 Huskies took on Jay County in the Class 2A Sectional 24 final at Yorktown. The two teams were scoreless through 80 minutes of regulation and 14 minutes of overtime, so it was on to penalty kicks to decide the champion.
Heights made their first three penalty kicks, with Riley Landis, Natalie Marcum and Ella Hickok all hitting their shots. The Patriots missed their first kick, then Huskies goalkeeper Audrey Lang saved the second. Jay County made its third kick but missed the fourth, and that gave Heights a 3-1 shootout win. The official final score is 1-0.
Huskies coach Travis Kauffman pointed out that his team had played two PK shootouts in the conference tournament, so that helped out with Heights’ nerves and composure. He also credited the Huskies’ defense with standing firm against the Patriots’ offense.
“They had a very aggressive attack and it would be tough to contain that,” said Kauffman. “I was very pleased with our defense.”
Heights is 14-5-1 for the season and won its 12th sectional title. The Huskies will host the Regional 12 semi-final Thursday, taking on No. 8 Bellmont.
University falls to Warriors
University’s girls fell to No. 8 Covenant Christian 3-0 in the final at 1A Sectional 42 Saturday at Cardinal Ritter.
The Trailblazers finished their season 6-8-1.