The Wadsworth Girls High School Soccer team is moving on in the OHSAA Soccer Tournament. In the opening round of the Brunswick District, Wadsworth defeated Highland 2-1 in overtime.
Sophomore midfielder Tori Baker had the game winning goal in the extra session. Baker was just inside the penalty area when she put the ball behind Highland goalkeeper Madison Less and into the goal. Sophomore midfielder Emily Arellano toe-poked the ball to Baker to set up the winning shot.
“It’s an awesome way to win” said Wadsworth head coach Paul Williford. “It’s a thriller and we’re going on”.
“In the tournament it’s like whoever wants to win more”, said Baker. “At the end I wanted the ball so I went for it”.
After a scoreless first half, the teams responded with spirited play in the second 40-minutes.
Highland jumped on the scoreboard first. Junior forward Rachael Huttner put a low shot past Wadsworth freshman goalie Jordan Barnhart to give the Hornets a 1-0 led. Senior forward Kaitlyn LaFayette was credited with an assist on the play at the 33:17 mark of the second half.
Wadsworth responded with a goal just 25 seconds later. Sophomore Katie Hibinger scored for the Lady Grizzlies with Arellano getting the assist.
It’s been a tough season for the Lady Grizzlies. Coming into Monday night’s game, the Wadsworth Girls Soccer team has won only three games. But, for the number 7 seeded Lady Grizzlies, their season continues. Highland was seeded number 5.
The next action for the Lady Grizzlies will be on Thursday night when they take on the 4th seeded team in the Brunswick District, Green High School. The match will be played at Green High School at 7 o’clock Thursday night.
