Cooper’s enjoyed their role as an underdog this year.
First they had to get through defending 33rd District champ Ryle to even get to the region tournament. Then they knocked off a Conner team that outscored district opponents 19-0 throughout the season heading into the district championship. They followed up their second district title in program history with a 1-0 win over Beechwood in the region quarterfinals, the program’s second win ever in the region tournament.
But Wednesday was a first, a 2-1 victory over Dixie Heights in penalty kicks (4-3 in shootout) getting them to their first ever region title game.
Maleah Alexander’s goal in the 79th minute tied it, Allie Ames’ save on the fifth and final round of penalty kicks won it.
“We’ve been there before this whole season. We’ve kind of just been the underdog. We’ve had a lot of seniors that left last year, so we just had to develop and keep grinding,” Alexander said. “Being in those kind of games where we’re kind of on the down low, we’re kind of behind, but just keep going. We found that this season.”
For a little over 30 minutes, the Jaguars season was on the brink. Abby Parsons’ goal in the 47th minute gave Dixie a 1-0 lead and with controlling possession, looked like a 5-0 lead with the way the Colonels were playing.
“Once we started finding the passes we dominated. Unfortunately we just couldn’t find the back of the net,” Colonels coach Kellie Ponchak said. “It was fun watching them move the ball the second half, it was pretty soccer.”
Unable to find any more goals, Alexander pounced on one of her lone second half opportunities. The senior got a breakaway opportunity late, the program’s all-time leading scorer delivering with a strike that couldn’t have been put anywhere else but over Colonels keeper Emery Rowland and in the top left corner of the net.
“It couldn’t have been more perfect,” Jaguars coach Scott Hughes said. “Sometimes special players have to make special plays in order to have special moments. We kind of hit the trifecta right there with her.”
Alexander’s goal got the game to overtime where the two were still unable to settle a winner. Dixie Heights had the opportunities once more with two shots on goal in the two extra five-minute periods, but were unable to get one past Ames, who made seven saves on the night.
To the shootout they went, Cooper taking an early 1-0 edge after Alexander converted her kick and Ames got a save on the first Colonels attempt.
“I think it helps not only me to feel more comfortable, but also my teammates out there knowing that they have somewhat of a little give if they miss. That’s crucial knowing that they have that cushion,” Ames said.
Cooper’s Kathrynne Day and Dixie’s Maria Dilts were successful on their tries in the second round. Dixie tied it up after the third round at 2-2 after Rowland got a save and Hadley Greene converted.
McKayla Harsley and Jaden Allen followed with makes. The fifth and final round came with the two knotted at three. Emily Green struck her kick and made it to give Cooper the 4-3 edge.
The Colonels leading goal scorer on the season Karolyn Lighthall stepped up to the mark.
“I always look at their eyes when they start walking up. They don’t like to give it up right when they’re lining up, so usually they give it up right when they’re coming to the spot. I saw her glance that way and I figured just go that way. Worst case scenario she makes it and we go to another five,” Ames said.
Ames anticipated correctly, moving to her left and stopping the kick. The Jaguars win sends them to Saturday’s shot at a spot in the state tournament.
“In one word, I would say improbable. If I were to give a second word, it would be incredible. And it’s it’s really a credit to the girls. They play as one. We’re flawed as a team, we have deficiencies as a team. They find a way to just make special plays. They play for each other and they’re so connected. They don’t want today to be the last day and that’s kind of what drives them,” Hughes said.
They’ll face Notre Dame on Saturday back at Notre Dame at 7 p.m. Cooper faced the Pandas in their season opener, a 2-1 loss on Aug. 7.
Dixie Heights left stunned, ending their season at 14-9, the first under Kellie Ponchak. They’ll graduate seven seniors.
“This was a really special group of girls whether it was a fun practice, hard practice, film or team bonding, they didn’t just show up. They knew it wasn’t good enough to just show up,” Ponchak said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better experience because they made it easy for me. They wanted me to push them and give them valuable knowledge and they were like sponges. It was just so much fun.”