FAIRLAND -- Triton Central came into Wednesday’s Class A regional semifinal averaging just less than two goals per contest.
So allowing an early goal to Greencastle at Mendenhall Field was manageable. Allowing a second early in the second half made it very difficult on the Tigers.
Greencastle scored 10 minutes into each half to finish off Triton Central, 2-0, and advance to Saturday’s regional championship game at Southwestern (Shelby) High School to face No. 6 Switzerland County – a 4-0 winner over No. 13 Shawe Memorial Wednesday night.
“I thought we were in it,” said Triton Central head coach Matt Roberts. “We had a good (scoring) opportunity in the first half, but their keeper made a fantastic save on it. And then to go down two (goals) was tough because they are very good defensively. We just couldn’t find the net today.”
The Tiger Cubs’ first goal came from a senior more comfortable setting up her teammates. Emily Hunsinger never hesitated lofting a shot up and over the outstretched arm of Triton Central goalkeeper Mallory Diehl for an early 1-0 lead.
“Emily is a pass first player and I’ve been working with her on feeling free to take those shots and be confident to do it,” said first-year Greencastle head coach Connor Mack. “That was a beauty. I love seeing her be confident and just rip the ball. Good things happen when she does.”
Triton Central senior Lilly Kegley (left) works up the field Wednesday in the regional semifinal game against Greencastle in Fairland.
Triton Central (10-9) kept challenging to tie the score but could not get a clean enough look to beat Greencastle’s freshman goalkeeper Isabel Battin.
Less than 10 minutes into the second half, Jacey Call, Greencastle’s leading scorer, pushed into the box and was fouled setting up a penalty kick.
Senior Josie Cox stepped forward and beat Diehl to her left for a 2-0 advantage.
“When we get up 2-0, I am really confident in my team’s ability to defend against anyone,” said Mack.
Triton Central senior Layla Compton kicks the ball into play Wednesday at Mendenhall Field.
Triton Central’s defense kept Tiger Cubs (16-3) off the scoreboard over the final 30 minutes, but the offense could not muster a goal to put any pressure on the Greencastle defense.
“I thought tonight our defense played fantastic,” said Roberts. “That was one of the best games we’ve played. I know we gave up the one early when we got away from (Hunsinger) and she made us pay.”
The loss ended the career for seven seniors, but the Triton Central roster is deep, and its starting goalkeeper and two leading scorers will be back in 2027.
“We have a lot of younger players and none of them have been here (to a regional),” said Roberts. “So they need this experience.
“We had good seniors this year that really led us, but we are looking to sustain this and learn from this next year and try to get back here.”
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