Yeah, they did it!
 
The girls' soccer team took their second state title in four years, this time with a 1-0 win over Wesleyan in a game played at St. Pius Tuesday. 
 
As for game info, Paige Jacquin scored on a free kick that bounced around and went in about 15 to 20 minutes into the second half. The Bears adjusted at half and broke up their scoring dynamics. They did it with a star on the bench with a boot on her foot.
 
As for some of many names, Morgan Bennett was a force at midfield. Sidney Williams created opportunities. Marley Vaughn and Elana McMasters were great in the back. Parker McCallum was steady. Names, you could name so many, but don't forget goalkeeper Chelsea Pacheco. 
 
"She was the defensive star of the game," Coach Clayton Schmitt said. "She saved at least three one-on-one opportunities Wesleyan had. She played the game of her career."
 
And looking back when all this began in January?
 
"We knew we had some talent and that we could play," Coach Schmitt said. "The question was, who would step up? As the season went on, our junior captains were key – they listened and learned – I'm talking about Paige, and Sophia (Cardillo), and Avery (Bennett), and Marley (Vaughn).
 
"We started utilizing Sydney Williams offensively to take the pressure off of Avery and Paige. We learned from our losses. We always held the lead when ahead. We had to start without Elana due to the long basketball season. Beatrice Jones and Alexa Henningsen helped share the scoring load."
 
Their 2-1 OT loss to Lovett for the region title perhaps gave them fuel, added some fire to firepower that already existed. And after a couple easy postseason wins – one included that trip to Savannah that no team likes to take – they showed guts in the OT win at Hebron a week ago.
 
State titles take lot, they do. Everyone has to step up, perhaps at times be better than they normally are.
 
So, here's to them, this team, this staff, and all involved. And now, it's all over but the laughing, the getting fitted for rings, the celebratory banquet, and the summer send off.
 
Wear the rings proud. You've earned it. All of you.