The Orange Crush claimed another win on Saturday, as West Liberty-Salem boys soccer defeated Indian Lake 2-0 in a Division IV sectional final.
It is the 12th shutout for West Liberty-Salem this season, which is now 16-2-1.
Lance Campbell and Caleb Ling had the goals for the Tigers, with assists by Miles Christison and Connor Leichty. Tucker Searles made five saves.
West Liberty-Salem coach Tim Wolfe said, “We created some good chances for ourselves in the first half, but didn’t put them away. And with the offensive firepower that (IL’s) Avery (Pequignot) has, you’re never safe. So that first goal let us relieve a little of our own pressure. The second goal, I think we all kind of decided, hey we’re okay.”
“It’s definitely a huge congratulations to these guys for the hard work and effort they put in. Everybody from the seniors all the way down to the freshmen, working hard in practice to help each other get better.”
For Indian Lake, they finish the season with a record of 11-3-4.
Griffin Schaub made 10 saves on the night.
Coach Dallas Clary said, “I’m very proud of our players. We told them before the game to leave everything out of on the field, and I feel that they did. And I think they had a really great season. They’re great soccer players, and they are even better kids.”
The Lakers have eight seniors, and Clary said that they helped rebuild the program, with 37 wins over the four years.
In the first half, Searles covered a shot as the Lakers closed in with about nine minutes elapsed.
The Tigers had one shot go over top, and another near the edge of the net a few minutes later.
With about five minutes left, the Tigers had a free kick from about 30 yards out, but didn’t not produce a shot.
After the intermission, Indian Lake had a free kick about five minutes in, and West Liberty-Salem had some near misses a few minutes later.
With 23 minutes left, the Tigers defense cleared the ball from in front of the goal.
Schaub caught a ball from the right side with about 17 minutes to go.
The Tigers finally broke the deadlock with 16:57 to play on a shot by Campbell from short range on the right edge.
At the 8 1/2 minute mark, Pequignot had a free kick. He bent it around the Tigers defenders, but Searles came up with the save.
Ling then gave the Tigers a bigger cushion with a header with 7:26 to play.
The Tigers held on from there for the win.
They will travel to Archbishop Alter for the district semifinal at 7 p.m. The winner moves on to Saturday’s district championship.
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Calvary Christian 2, Jackson Center 0
Calvary Christian made the third time the charm, as they defeated Jackson Center in a Division V sectional final on Saturday.
The teams met in the season opener, with the Tigers winning 2-0 and again on Oct. 6, which was a 2-all tie.
On Saturday, Brett Gildow scored with the assist by Nehemiah Dillon.
Dillon then converted on a penalty kick.
The defense was led by Lincoln Roell, Tanner Hurley, Gavin Householder and keeper Brody Prall.
Calvary Chrstian is now 9-7-2 on the season. They will play at Preble Shawnee today at 7 p.m. in a district semifinal. The winner will advance to the district final on Saturday.
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Waynesville 4, Ben Logan 0
Benjamin Logan lost to Waynesville in a Division IV sectional final on Saturday.
Joe Meeker had eight saves in goal.
The Raiders finish the season with a record of 12-6-1.
Coach Jamie Hughes said, “Ending the season with a loss is always difficult, but I am super proud of these guys and our seniors for all of their accomplishments over the course of their careers and this season. Twelve wins is the second most ever and a CBC championship is something they will always be proud of. It was a special season for sure.”
