Seniors lead Greencastle to regional championship match

FAIRLAND – Greencastle head coach Connor Mack trusted his seniors to fulfill their goal of reaching a regional championship.

Emily Hunsinger and Josie Cox each scored Wednesday night in the Class A regional semifinal match at Triton Central to secure a 2-0 victory and that coveted berth in a regional championship match Saturday afternoon.

“When I came in at the beginning of this year, I heard a lot about their freshman and sophomore years and really believing they could get into the regional final, and falling short of that,” said Mack. “They (the seniors) made it their goal this year. They wanted to win that regional game. I told them before today’s game, as freshman and sophomores, those weren’t your teams. This is your team and you can decide your fate.”

Greencastle's Brenna Humphrey takes control of the soccer ball and works up the field Wednesday at Triton Central.

Less than 10 minutes into Wednesday’s match at Mendenhall Field, Hunsinger, a senior, chose an aggressive shot just inside the box that sailed up and over the outstretched arm of Triton Central goalkeeper Mallory Diehl for an early 1-0 advantage.

Hunsinger had just six goals this season but a team-high 14 assists despite her coach imploring her to take more shots on goal.

“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 Mack. “That was a beauty. I love seeing her be confident and just rip the ball. Good things happen when she does.”

Greencastle’s defense made clean looks difficult for Triton Central’s leading scorers -- Rylee Pruitt and Maddie Burnett -- and life easy on freshman goalkeeper Isabel Battin.

Greencastle celebrates the penalty kick goal converted by Josie Cox in the second half Wednesday at Triton Central.

Less than 10 minutes into the second half, senior Jacey Call attacked the goal and was fouled. A penalty kick was awarded and senior Josie Cox stepped forward.

“We were fortunate to get that call early and Josie came up huge to finish that PK,” said Mack. “Winning a PK is only half of it. There is a lot of pressure, especially in a regional game to finish, and Josie continues to come up huge in those moments.”

Triton Central entered the regional semifinal averaging just under two goals per contest. That second goal proved insurmountable for the Tigers (10-9).

“When we get up 2-0, I am really confident in my team’s ability to defend against anyone,” said Mack.

Once the final seconds rolled off the scoreboard clock, the Greencastle celebration showed more relief than excitement. A major goal had been accomplished.

“The whole team was fantastic,” said Mack. “The seniors continue to be huge in all of these games. It’s great to see them get past that hurdle which was a goal this year.”

The Tigers Cubs (16-3) will return to Shelby County Saturday afternoon to face No. 6 Switzerland County (15-4-1) at 2 p.m. at Southwestern High School.

The Pacers knocked off top-ranked Oldenburg Academy to win a sectional championship and defeated No. 13 Shawe Memorial, 4-0, Wednesday night.