Triway girls soccer makes history with first sectional championship

In a dominating fashion, Triway's girls soccer team pounded St. Thomas Aquinas 8-0 on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Senior Kylee Strong had a night to remember with a golden sombrero’s worth of goals, sophomore Kailynn Nommay had a pair, fellow sophomore Elise Wigal had one and senior Julia Root buried another. 

“I thought we did some things well,” said Lady Titans coach Tyrone Hostetler. “It’s a new season. Everyone is 0-0, and we just have to do what we do and do it well.”

As for that well part, Hostetler smiled.

“We don't quit," Hostetler said. "We keep playing no matter what and just keep going.”

With the win, the Lady Titans clinched a Division V sectional title, giving the program its first-ever sectional crown. 

“It’s an incredible feeling,” said Strong. “To see the growth in our team from my freshman year until my senior year now is astonishing. We knew coming into this season that we wanted to make history. 

“Last year, we came up short, but that only made us more motivated to come into this season with higher standards. I’m forever grateful for this opportunity to be a part of such a special mark in history, especially with this team. Each of my teammates has contributed to this outcome in different ways, and I am beyond proud.”

Looking back over this past season and the past few seasons, one thing is clear: Strong and her fellow seniors Joy Acker, Grace Williamson and Root raised the bar. Not just in results at the end of a game, but how the game is played on the pitch. There is fluidity, there is a formation, there is purpose and at times, the game flow is as smooth as butter. It all added up to memories, including this one and so much more for Strong and company.

“This year will be something I will never forget,” said Strong. “Ending this season with a winning record and with some of the sweetest friendships is so special to me. I will forever cherish the hugs and the celebrations when one of my teammates or I scores because those memories hold so much joy. Playing with a purpose greater than for ourselves has made competing and winning even more meaningful and exciting for us all.” 

And what’s next, a date with top-seeded Chippewa on Oct 22.

“We have to do what we’re good at,” said Hostetler. “We’re not going to reinvent the wheel, and we have to make them earn everything they get.”

AND THE BEAT GOES ON

Powers like Chippewa (10-0), Norwayne (8-0) and Hiland (4-0) all rolled to sectional titles in the opening round for girls soccer. No. 18 seed Waynedale advanced with a 5-0 win over Lake Center Christian, No. 6 West Holmes beat East Liverpool 8-0, and No. 17 Wooster edged out North Olmsted 2-1.

HOME VISIT

Former Central Christian standout Armand Silva made the return visit to Kidron as the leader of the Hillsdale boys soccer team. Though not the result he wanted (8-0), it was a season of growth for the Falcons, whose best years are in front of them. With a leader at the helm who knows the game and can teach it, it’s safe to say these future encounters could be fun one day. 

BOYS SOCCER ADVANCING

Leading the way on the boys side were area powers like Central Christian, Hiland (9-0), Norwayne (6-1) and Smithville (8-0). Wooster opens this week. Other locals advancing to district play were No. 25 Waynedale (5-2), No. 24 Chippewa ( 2-1), No. 10 Northwestern (2-0) and No. 19 Triway (4-1).

1,000 CLUB

This past week, Triway standout Reagan Underwood recorded her 1,000th dig in a 3-0 win over Fairview. The talented libero continues to anchor one of the key positions on the court, and with 1,000 digs, she became just the 14th player to do it since rally scoring started. Inside the program, Underwood owns two of the top 10 digs per season and should finish among its leaders.

“Reagan has been the backrow general the past three seasons for us,” said Lady Titans coach Jacki Zody. “She has been superb on serve receive, has emerged as a more aggressive server and an enthusiastic leader for the team as a two-year captain.”