Meg Webster’s goal midway through the first half proved to be the difference as Bay Village edged Badin 1-0 on Saturday afternoon in the Division III state championship at Historic Crew Stadium.
The Rams (15-4-5) were seeking their fourth state title after winning it all in 2005, 2013 and 2014. Instead, their first loss since late August came on the biggest stage.
“It’s just an honor and a privilege to coach these girls,” Badin coach Chris Slusher said. “Our goal was set at the beginning of the year — to be here on this day. We were just one goal away from making that happen.
Credit: Matt Grimes
Credit: Matt Grimes
“The senior leadership and captains established everything — from our brand of soccer to the way we conduct ourselves. That’s why we were here today. I’m going to miss these seniors tremendously. As a coach, I already won because I get to be around these girls. I love being around soccer, and I love this team.”
Bay (17-3-2), the defending state champion, capitalized on one of its few first-half opportunities. With 15:31 left before halftime, Webster slipped free inside the box and buried a cross from Lily Kazma into the left side netting for a 1-0 lead.
The Rockets — three-time state champions entering the match — held that edge through halftime.
Badin, meanwhile, struggled to find its rhythm early. The Rams’ nerves showed in the opening half as they battled Bay’s attack.
“I think our first half was a little chaotic,” Badin senior Braelyn Even said. “We didn’t play like we usually do. Once the second half hit, we settled in and realized we could play with them. If we’d played both halves like that, it might have been a different result. But at the end of the day, we had a great season. Pretty cool to go to state.”
Slusher said his team regrouped and responded after the break.
“I thought our second half was pretty good, to be honest,” the coach said. “We made some adjustments at halftime, and the girls did an excellent job with that. I really thought it was a matter of time before we were going to get one.”
Badin pushed forward in waves throughout the second half, creating several close chances.
“It’s frustrating, but that’s the game of soccer,” Slusher said. “You saw how composed our girls were. They never showed emotion toward officials or frustration — that’s our culture. When things don’t bounce our way, we just get on with it and do a little bit more.”
Goalie Blake Sakach said the Rams’ defensive adjustments made a difference after halftime.
“In the first half, our nerves kind of got to us,” the senior said. “But we always talk about pressure being a privilege — not everyone gets to this point. They scored on exactly what we’d seen on film, a cross from wide. But once we switched to a four-back, we did a really good job adjusting and moving as a unit.”
Bay’s defense held firm to secure its second straight championship, while Badin was left to reflect on how far it had come.
“This group changed the culture,” Slusher said. “We had a rough start to the season — probably the best 0-3-1 team in the state. Once we got that first win, we were cruising ever since. This was our first loss since then. To be here, it’s a privilege. I’m proud of the work we put in since June.”
Even, a University of Cincinnati commit, nodded as she spoke to media with a mix of tears and pride on her face. The Rams graduate 10 seniors.
“It hurts. But we’ll remember everything we did to get here,” Even said.
About the Author