Girls Soccer: Olentangy Liberty beats defending champs Seton; advances to 1st state title game
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
By Michael Rich
mrich@cbussports.com
Olentangy Liberty’s Maddy McCort kicks the ball during the Patriots’ state semifinal win over Cincinnati Seton on Nov. 7 at Wright State. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Avery Hilvert may be diminutive in stature. But the sophomore forward wasn’t intimated facing the defending state champions on Nov. 7 at Wright State’s Alumni Field.
Hilvert, all of 5-foot-2 was knocked down near midfield in the first minute and popped back up like nothing had happened.
Hilvert followed up by scoring the first goal a couple of minutes to jump-start the Olentangy Liberty girls soccer team in a 4-2 victory over Cincinnati Seton in a Division I state semifinal on Nov. 7 at Wright State.
The Patriots will play for their first state championship when they face Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit on Nov. 10 at Historic Crew Stadium. Walsh Jesuit defeated last year’s state runner-up Strongsville 2-1 in the other semifinal.
“I knew if we were going to win or have a chance against them, (I) just to (had) to get back up,” Hilvert said. “It was early in the game and there was no need to get down. I just had to get back up.
“It’s really cool – I’ve never experienced anything like this. I’m only a sophomore.”
Karissa Friscone’s corner kick pinballed around in front before Hilvert tapped it home to give Liberty (19-2-1) the lead with 36 minutes, 26 seconds remaining in the first half.
Members of the Olentangy Liberty girls soccer team celebrate a Avery Hilvert goal during the Patriots’ game with Cincinnati Seton on Nov. 7 at Wright State. Photo: John Hulkenberg
“(Assistant coach David Nardella) always says, ‘Early goals crush souls.’ So, we were trying to score early,” Hilvert said. “We knew we’re really good at corner kicks. We were trying to find Chloe (Brecht). But once it was bouncing around in the box and it was right there – it was an opportunity to get ahead because we knew (Seton) is a tough team.”
But it was two goals in a span of 35 seconds that ultimately proved to be the difference.
Hilvert set up the Patriots’ second goal with a long through pass to Chloe Brecht. Brecht’s centering pass led Audrey Kalmer to an open net with 16:40 remaining in the first half.
Then, Maria Stack tapped home a rebound of an Amelia Sigmund shot with 16:05 left in the half after Seton goalie Riley Tarvin made a diving stop in front.
There weren’t enough seats for the Seton student section, who took up the southeast corner of the field, giving it a home field advantage. But that was of no concern for coach Chris Allen and the Patriots.
“I just kept stressing to the girls – it doesn’t matter what happens outside – it’s 11 (versus) 11,” he said. “They could cheer all they want. But (our team) just took care of business and I’m so proud of them. These girls just made school history today and it’s a special one. What a better way to get over the hump than defeating the defending state champions.”
Olentangy Liberty’s Avery Hilvert heads the ball during the Patriots’ victory over Cincinnati Seton on Nov. 7 at Wright State. Photo: John Hulkenberg
After McKenzie Carle scored her second goal to pull the Saints within 3-2 with 30:16 remaining, Lexie Mitchem made good on some redemption.
She had an open shot miss wide right and another shot saved by Tarvin in point-blank range in the first 10 minutes of the second half.
But after a few close calls by Seton (17-4-3), Mitchem scored off a Lola Esham centering pass with 25:49 remaining and Liberty was able to hold off Seton from there.
“It was really hard because of their line,” Mitchem said. “They had an offside trap where if they thought you were going to run, they’d just run up and make you offside. So, you really had to time your run. That’s how we got every single goal. We just played through.”
Tarvin finished with eight saves and Lou Guidugli had an assist for the Saints, who made their second consecutive appearance in the state tournament after never reaching before.
“(Liberty) had a great game plan and they executed it really well,” Seton coach John Volker said. “We didn’t play our best game, but that isn’t taking anything away from them. They scouted us well and they played that nice diagonal ball. I give them credit – they played fantastic.
“Our kids gave it everything they had. The ball didn’t bounce our way. We hit the crossbar a few times. But then, so did they. I couldn’t be any (prouder) of these kids.”
Hailey Myers had five saves for the Patriots, who were making their appearance at state and first since 2017.
“We had all the tools we need to go out and win this game,” Allen said. “And they did and I’m so proud of them. They executed well based on what we asked of them. It’s a great win.”