Pattys Historic Season Ends In OHSAA Division I State Semifinal (11/10/11)

After losing ten seniors and seven starters from the 2014 squad that went 17-2-1 and reached the Regional Semifinal match, many in the community did not expect the 2015 Olentangy Liberty Girls Soccer team to match the prior year’s success. But those doubters did not understand the resolve and determination of first year head coach Kristen McMahon and the leadership of Seniors Jordan Fike, Hailey Pickelheimer, Meridith Shook and Emma Waters to build on the previous success in their final year.

The season began with an up and down 4-4-0 start.  After an embarassing loss to DeSales in late September, the team had a decision to either step up together and translate talent into results, or use the excuse of youth and inexperience on a team with only four seniors to explain away an average season. What happened next within the team leadership and entire roster will never be fully known to the Pattys faithful, but the challenges and commitments that were made to each other turned the tide and resulted in a 11-1-1 run in their next 13 games. Along the way, Liberty would earn a Conference Championship, match the previous year’s District Championship, deliver the first Regional Championship and advance to the State Semifinal for the first time in school history.

So on Tuesday night at Legacy Field/Centerville Alumni Soccer Stadium, the underdog Patriots entered the State Semifinal match against a talented Loveland HS squad with their eye on reaching the State Championship on Friday at Crew SC’s MAPFRE Stadium. When the final whistle blew, the #6 (Central Region) Patriots had lost the match 1-3, but had gained the respect of their opponents, families, friends and the community by delivering the best season in school history.

With large student and supporter sections in attendance on both sides, the atmosphere was fitting for a State Semifinal. The match opened with Loveland controlling possession early, and the Patriots struggling to keep the ball and find their style of play. But the Liberty defense diffused the pressure, and the score was 0-0 entering the 30th minute. The next three minutes would be a huge factor in the outcome, when Loveland scored on a header off a corner in the 30th minute, and then again in similar fashion in 33rd minute, carrying a 2-0 lead into halftime. The Patriots did not register a single shot in the first 40 minutes, and the outlook did not look positive.

But early in the second half, the Patriots managed to get more possession and started to press the attack more, creating a few chances and re-energizing the Pattys squad and supporters.  With the score still at 2-0 and the Pattys needing to increase the attack, Coach McMahon went to three in the back with 25 minutes left and pushed Sophomore Defender Sydney Weaver further forward. The tactical move would be rewarded in the 62nd minute, when Weaver won a challenge near the endline, and whipped a cross into the mixer. The Loveland goalkeeper mishandled the cross and Senior Jordan Fike found the ball and buried the chance to move the scoreline to 1-2. The Patriots continued to press the attack including a rocket by Senior Captain Hailey Pickelheimer that was deflected by the goalkeeper and off the post, yet no corner was given.  In addition, Senior Captain Emma Waters served in several dangerous free kicks and corners in the next 23 minutes, with scoring chances narrowly missed.

But, with only 3 in the back and the defensive line pushing farther forward to try to help find the equalizer, Loveland’s #5 was able to get loose on a quick counter attack and slipped the ball inside the near post in the 75th minute to crush the Pattys hopes of leveling the match. For the remaining 5 minutes, Loveland packed it in, substituted frequently, and the match expired. Congratulations to Loveland HS on a hard fought victory, and best wishes on Friday vs. #1 Nationally Ranked Walsh Jesuit High School, who competes in their 4th straight State Championship.

The disappointment of not reaching the State Final was obvious on the faces of the Pattys, and especially Seniors Fike, Pickelheimer, Shook and Waters, but the remarkable accomplishment of being one of the final 4 teams of 172 Division I schools will leave great memories for everyone who was a part of this historic season. Click HERE for Michael Rich’s recap in the Delaware Gazette.

And, not only was it a great run this year, but this year’s Senior class leaves Liberty with the most wins in any four year stretch (52), two consecutive conference championships, along with the only two District Championships, one Regional Championship, and State Semifinal appearance in school history. The bar has been raised, and the challenge passed on to those who will return to continue to build the success of the Pattys soccer program. The Pattys will return 8 starters from the 2015 squad, so the future is bright!

Congratulations to all of the players and coaches on a great year, and thank you to all of the parents, friends, fans, and school staff who supported the Patriots this year!

As always, GO PATTYS!