St. Clairsville Girls’ Soccer: A Journey of Resilience and Talent
A Championship Moment
The St. Clairsville girls’ soccer team recently celebrated a significant achievement, hoisting the Ohio Division IV Eastern District championship trophy after a thrilling double overtime victory against Beaver Local at Harding Stadium in Steubenville. This triumph marks a pivotal moment for the Red Devils, who are set to face West Muskingum in the regional semifinals tonight at McFarland Stadium in Cambridge. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m., and the excitement is palpable as the team aims for further glory.
A Tale of Two Teams
This year’s St. Clairsville squad is a stark contrast to the senior-heavy team that made it to the regional semifinals in 2020. The current roster is predominantly young, featuring just two seniors and four juniors, with a significant presence of eight sophomores and two freshmen. This youthful composition was not expected to propel the team into the final 16 teams in the state, making their journey all the more remarkable.
The Road to the Semifinals
As the top seed in the tournament, St. Clairsville boasts an impressive record of 13 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw. They began their tournament run with a bye, followed by a commanding 4-0 victory over East Liverpool in the semifinals at Wagner Field in Cadiz. The team then showcased their resilience by overcoming a 1-0 deficit against Beaver Local, ultimately winning 2-1 in a dramatic double overtime finish to secure the district title.
Facing a Tough Opponent
Tonight, the Red Devils will face No. 6 West Muskingum, the champions of Eastern District 2. Head coach Wes Stoner has been analyzing their opponent and recognizes the challenge ahead. “They are talented, very physical, and have a lot of tall girls,” he noted. “They play really good defense and are aggressive. It’s going to be tough to deal with them.”
Key Players to Watch
One of the standout players for St. Clairsville is freshman Elizabeth Morgan, who scored both goals in the District 1 Finals, including the decisive goal in the second overtime. With 22 goals and seven assists this season, Morgan has proven to be a formidable force on the field. Stoner praised her development, stating, “For a freshman, Elizabeth is really talented. She has overcome early challenges with the speed and physicality of the game.”
Sophomore Ashlynn Lednik leads the team with 25 goals and 12 assists, while Emma Gasber adds to the offensive threat with 20 goals and five assists. Olivia McKeever also contributes significantly with a dozen assists, showcasing the depth of talent within the team.
A Strong Defensive Backbone
In addition to their offensive prowess, the Red Devils have a solid defensive foundation, anchored by sophomore goalkeeper Kiya Kyer. Kyer has made a name for herself this season, holding the school record with 10 shutouts. Stoner highlighted her growth, noting that this is only her second year playing soccer, having previously started on the 7th and 8th grade boys’ football teams. “She’s very athletic,” he remarked, adding that many opposing coaches have commented on her impressive skills.
The Impact of Division Changes
St. Clairsville’s success can also be attributed to their recent move from Division II to Division IV due to the OHSAA’s realignment. This shift has leveled the playing field for smaller schools like St. Clairsville, allowing them to compete more effectively while still facing a challenging schedule. “We still play tough opponents,” Stoner explained, referencing a recent 0-0 draw against John Glenn, a team currently in the Division II regionals.
Looking Ahead
With only one senior, Isabella Yeager, set to graduate, the future looks bright for the Red Devils. Stoner expressed optimism about the team’s potential, stating, “Next year we should be even better. We’re only losing one senior, and we have 10 letterwinners returning.” The combination of experienced players and talented newcomers suggests that St. Clairsville’s soccer program is poised for continued success in the coming years.
As the Red Devils prepare for their semifinal match against West Muskingum, the excitement and determination within the team are palpable. With a blend of youthful energy and seasoned talent, St. Clairsville is ready to make their mark in the regional tournament and beyond.