See a photo gallery from the game here. COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sandra Yu has it. ¶
See a photo gallery from the game here.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sandra Yu has it. ¶
When it comes to good soccer mojo, the Walsh Jesuit sophomore had it working once again on Saturday as her two goals helped the Warriors become the first team, boys or girls, to win five state championships. With Yu scoring in each half and senior captain Kelsey Smigel adding the final touch, third-ranked Walsh defeated fifth-ranked Pickerington North, 3-0, to win the Division I girls soccer title at Columbus Crew Stadium. ¶
"The only thing standing in our way was ourselves," said Yu, who had six goals in the past three playoff games. "If we played our game we would be fine." ¶
Just as Yu maintained her consistency, the Warriors (19-1-3) were relentless on both the offensive and defensive side. The formula of speed and pressure held the Panthers (20-3) in check for much of the contest. Walsh won the shooting contest, taking 20 shots to Pickerington’s five. ¶
The Walsh defense, with senior Erin Flynn in the net, did not allow a goal in seven tournament games. The Warriors allowed six goals all season, with the defensive line of seniors Alexis Gable and Brianna Kanz, along with juniors Katie George and Kaylee Semelsberger, coming in for special praise. ¶
"The whole entire defense was solid," said Flynn, who was called on to make two saves. "When one player misses, the other one is there to get it. The pressure kind of builds, but it makes you want to do your best." ¶
Walsh did not waste time getting on the board, scoring two minutes into the game. ¶
Semelsberger blooped the ball to the top of the penalty box, then followed to use her head in directing it to the right side. The ball glanced off a Pickerington defender and Yu was there to direct it into the net off her right foot. ¶
"I was in the right place at the right time," said Yu. ¶
Twelve minutes after the break, Yu got past a Pickerington defender to draw out goalkeeper Heather Lauefer and easily put the ball past her for the 2-0 lead. Smigel finished matters with seven minutes to play on a solo effort. ¶
"If you are humble, you don’t know if you are going to get back here," said Walsh coach Dino McIntyre, who has been at the helm for 18 seasons. "We stuck together and came through some adversity. Our defenders and goalkeeper were amazing. Sandra Yu is a lion out there." ¶
The Warriors won Division II titles in 2000 and 2001, adding Division I titles in 2004 and 2006. ¶
Pickerington (20-3), ranked fifth, has never won a championship.