The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Rockets’ run closes with runner-up trophy
Bay falls to defending state champion Indian Hill at MAPFRE Stadium
COLUMBUS >> For the first time this postseason, Bay just didn’t have enough.
On Nov. 9 at MAPFRE Stadium in the Division II state championship, the Rockets fell, 1-0, to Cincinnati Indian Hill.
The Braves (18-2-3) repeated as state champions.
Bay (14-6-3) was outshot, 148, and just couldn’t find the back of the net.
“They are a good team and attacked very well,” Bay coach Beth English said. “They moved the ball very well. They are fast and it was a good game. In the second half, we picked it up like we always do.”
Indian Hill entered with two premier players in Anna Podojil and sister Ellie Podojil. Anna is the reigning Ms. Soccer in Ohio, but the Rockets held her to two shots on goal.
It was Meghan O’Brien that did damage, scoring off a cross from Ellie Podojil in the 24th minute that went into the far post.
Indian Hill outshot Bay, 9-2, in the first half and attempted eight corner kicks.
But the Rockets felt good only trailing, 1-0, at the half. Normally a second half team, they picked things up, outshooting the Braves, 6-5, over the next
40 minutes.
Avery Alexy missed a strike in the 46th minute wide left, and Kealy Sullivan possessed a great ball off a corner kick for a header, but missed high in the 54th.
The Rockets had another chance in the 60th minute when a shot slipped past
Braves goalkeeper Kate Marrs, but was cleared off the line from a defender.
“We couldn’t just capitalize,” English said. “They gave it their all and I’m very proud of each of them.”
Rockets goalkeeper Maeve Johnston stopped six shots, including a key one off a corner kick in the 60th
minute to keep Bay alive.
It was Bay’s first state final appearance since 2003, and ending the drought was important to them.
“They had one goal and they did it, which is playing here in the Columbus Crew stadium,” English said. “We’ve had a lot of fun with them.”