The Lady Champions mob Lexie Comstock after scoring the game’s only goal in the 74th minute. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
BELL BUCKLE — For the second-straight match to start the postseason, the Cascade Lady Champions (12-5-2) were denied a first-half goal.
While the District 9-A semifinals saw a surge of second-half scores to advance to the championship, it was the heroics of freshman Lexie Comstock who found the back of the net in the 74th minute to secure the title for Cascade in the 1-0 win against Huntland on Thursday night.
“It was nerve-racking for sure. We had confidence our girls were going to finish and they do what it takes to win,” Lady Champion coach Wendy Williams said.
Much like the semifinal match against Community, the Lady
The Cascade Lady Champs pose with their District 9-A championship hardware after beating Huntland in the finals on Thursday night. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
Hornets made it none-too-easy for Cascade’s front line to find open looks on goal.
While play settled in around midfield for most of the first half, Cascade had ample opportunities, including a span of four corner kicks in two minutes, but just couldn’t break through Huntland’s defense.
“They have a great back line. They pressured and covered well. Our girls just
Earning season awards for the 2024 regular season and tournament were Sophie Ray (District Defensive Player of the Year), Kelsey Shatley (All-District), Kaylee Martin (All-District), Lexie Comstock (All-District), Claire Smithson (All-District), Irais Rojas (All-Tournament), Ellie Chapa (All-Tournament), Ella Thompson (All-Tournament) and Kyla Pulley (All-Tournament). (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
kept pressing until something happened,” Williams said.
Huntland’s best scoring opportunity came in the 32nd minute with a breakaway down the left flank that ended with a spectacular diving save by Lady Champion keeper Irais Rojas to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
Much like the first half, Cascade continued to find contested looks that sailed high or wide of the goal.
Rojas came through with a save after another breakaway in the 72nd minute to keep the match scoreless.
As time continued to dwindle, and the match seemed to be headed to overtime, Huntland’s keeper was drawn out of the goal and Claire Smit
Kaylee Martin pushes the ball upfield after settling a 50-50 ball. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
hson slotted the ball to an open Comstock who fired the game-winner to the corner of the net.
“I’m so proud of her (Comstock). She came out strong for us as a freshman. All of our freshmen have come out really strong this year. I’m just really proud for her,” Williams said.
Following the score, the match became a game of keep away and Cascade was successfully able to run out the closing minutes to secure the championship.
Rojas recorded six saves in goal to preserve the shutout, while Cascade hammered Huntland to the tune of 21 shots.
The 9-A championship match marked the third time Cascade matched up with Huntland this season, with the Lady Champs claiming a 4-2 and 3-2 win over the Lady Hornets in the regular season.
That familiarity made the championship match all the more difficult.
“They know what our tricks are, we know what theirs are. It’s hard to come up with something new that’s going to surprise them. They prepared for us, we prepared for them and it showed. It was a battle,” Williams said.
Cascade advances to region play with the win and will host the Region 5-A semifinal on Tuesday, October 15.
Huntland 0 0 — 0
Cascade 0 1 — 1
Second Half
C — Lexi Comstock goal, Claire Smithson assist (74th minute).
