Bay never backed down during run to Columbus

The Bay Rockets showed something this postseason that goes beyond a box score.

And it goes beyond any strategy a coach draws up.

They showed a never-backdown attitude.

Yes, Bay played six Division I teams during the regular season. They didn’t back down.

Yes, they entered the postseason as a No. 3 seed. It didn’t matter.

Yes, they had to go through Holy Name in the district semifinal, a 3-2 overtime win.

Yes, they went through Great Lakes Conference rival and another respected program in Rocky River in the district final — a 1-0 win.

They showed no desire to back down in the district tournament — and it was a hint of what was to come.

“When we beat Holy Name in overtime, I knew we had the chance to play on this field,” said senior Avery Alexy about MAPFRE Stadium, home of the Columbus Crew.

They survived the No. 3-ranked Mansfield Madison in the regional semifinal — a 1-0 win — and cruised past Wapakoneta in the regional final in a 4-0 victory.

By this point, their momentum was too strong, resulting in a 1-0 state semifinal win over Lake Catholic.

The Rockets had 10 seniors lead the group. And those seniors helped lead Bay to its first state final appearance since 2003.

“I’m going to miss my girls so much and I’m going to take in every moment I have with them,” senior goalkeeper Maeve Johnston said. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get another chance to.”

This group’s neverdie attitude showed in its state final loss. They stared down the No. 6-ranked Cincinnati Indian Hill and Ms. Soccer, Anna Podojil.

They lost, 1-0, but it never backed down. Not after the Braves outshot them, 9-2, in the first half.

They fought back in the second half like they always do. And they had their chances, but just couldn’t find that equalizer.

The Rockets proved their championship mettle.

“I honestly feel good because I have my teammates behind me,” Alexy said. “This team is the closest we’ve ever been. It’s been great to be a part of it.”

Yes, Bay doesn’t walk away as champion, but this group did something that can’t be measured.

They never backed down.

“Our community has always been supporting us,” Alexy said. “It’s been great to be part of it.”

Shalhout can be reached at FShalhout@ MorningJournal.com; on Twitter: @shalhoutf

KYLE SOOY — FOR THE MORNING JOURNAL Bay’s Avery Alexy tries to get the ball around Cincinnati Indian Hill’s Ashleigh Prugh during the Division II state final at MAPFRE Stadium on Nov. 9.

KYLE SOOY — FOR THE MORNING JOURNAL Bay poses for a team photo with the runner-up trophy after falling to Cincinnati Indian Hill during the Division II state final at MAPFRE Stadium on Nov. 9.