TOLEDO, Ohio — For the first time in school history, the Anthony Wayne Girls soccer team is going to the state championship.
And not to be outdone, Liberty-Benton girls soccer also won their game Tuesday. Northwest Ohio will have two different teams playing for state titles on Saturday in Columbus!
The Generals played and defeated Medina 1-0 Tuesday night in Sandusky. Although Anthony Wayne had an opportunity to score about two minutes in the game with a free-kick, the ball hit the crossbar. The first half ended on a tie score.
Less than three minutes into second-half, Emilie Gardner scored the lone goal for Anthony Wayne, guaranteeing the General's victory.
“I’m so happy for the kids. I want them to feel this feeling," said Anthony Wayne head coach Lori Williams. "I think you could see from their emotion during the closing minutes what it means to them."
“My emotions were through the roof. I was so excited to be there with all the teammates, it means the world to me,” said Anthony Wayne senior Emily Gardner.
Liberty-Benton was in Clyde as they played Kirtland. The Eagles won 2-1 and will make their first ever appearance in a state championship game in school history for girls soccer.
Liberty-Benton fell behind 1-0 in the first half, but battled back to take a 2-1 lead. Maya Rickle scored both of the goals for the Eagles as they held the Hornets scoreless in the second half to seal the victory.
"It feels great," said Liberty-Benton head coach Mark Pagano. "The girls gave it all they had on the soccer pitch today. Still practicing is an exciting feeling."
"I can't even describe it," said Liberty-Benton junior Maya Rickle. "I just want to cry because I'm so happy."
Anthony Wayne will now play Lakota West for the state Championship in Columbus on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Liberty-Benton will take on Cincinnati Country Day for the division three state title at in Columbus on Saturday at 4 p.m.