Patriots beat Bellbrook in Double OT

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BELLBROOK — In a similar game to earlier in the season, the Bellbrook and Carroll girls soccer teams battled in a close match.

The Patriots edged out the Golden Eagles in double overtime to win the second-round Division II sectional matchup Thursday night at Bellbrook High School, 1-0.

Bellbrook (12-4-2) defeated Carroll (13-4-1) 1-0 earlier this season.

“We were expecting it to be a battle just like that,” said Carroll coach Sarah Flach. “It’s hard to see good teams twice in the same season, even though it’s been since the beginning of the season. They’re going to come out fired up.”

The first half was a back-and-forth defensive fight. Bellbrook had two shots and Carroll had one. The Patriots had a couple opportunities that they weren’t able to convert, including a goal that was called off because of a foul with 8:45 left to play in the first half.

The Golden Eagles had to fend off a lot more shots in in the second half. Carroll had seven attempts in the second half compared to Bellbrook’s two.

Bellbrook keeper Bekah Vine had three saves in regular time and five for the entire match.

“Bekah played very well,” said Bellbrook coach Zach Huffman. “She was upset after the game like everyone was, but she forgets that she made the first save in overtime. You can’t save them all, and she did what she could do. She did a great job this season.”

After the first overtime period went scoreless, the game had one more overtime period before penalty kicks. But Carroll scored with 9:56 left to end the sudden-death double overtime period.

“You’ve got to give it to them. They passed around us for a good portion of the game and they took advantage of their chance there at the end,” said Huffman. “They’ve got ten seniors, but they’ve also got an all-state junior, so they’re a tough team. They’re going to give Tipp a good game in the next round.”

There was some confusion as to who scored the final goal. Abby McNamara made an attempt that looked like it hit the inside of the crossbar, but the referees did not stop the action. Haley Sabo got the rebound and was able to put it in.

The Patriot players could be heard saying they didn’t care who scored. They were just happy with the win.

“In tournament, you can take the field and be unsure of yourself. But I think when you win these tough ones, your chest puffs out and you’re a little more confident. That can never hurt,” said Flach.

Bellbrook, who earned the third seed in the tournament, will graduate five seniors: Megan Umina, Julia Poth, Hana Midtlien, Kelsey Schoenung and Iona Harrop.

“All five have been unbelievable this year. All fantastic leaders and they’re going to do some great things,” said Huffman.

Fourth-seeded Carroll will face the number two seed, Tipp City Tippecanoe, at 7 p.m. Monday at Piqua Wertz Field.

Haley Sabo (10) brings the ball for Carroll in a sectional playoff game against Bellbrook, Thursday at Bellbrook High School.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2015/10/web1_Bellbrook-vs-Carroll-10.22.15-48-.jpgHaley Sabo (10) brings the ball for Carroll in a sectional playoff game against Bellbrook, Thursday at Bellbrook High School. Chris Greene | Greene County News

Carroll senior Abby McNamara (20) goes to defend Bellbrook sophomore Cassidy Hofacker in a sectional playoff game, Thursday at Bellbrook High School
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2015/10/web1_Bellbrook-vs-Carroll-10.22.15-19-.jpgCarroll senior Abby McNamara (20) goes to defend Bellbrook sophomore Cassidy Hofacker in a sectional playoff game, Thursday at Bellbrook High School Chris Greene | Greene County News

By Zach Gregory

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Reach Zach Gregory at (937) 372-4444, Ext. 2124.

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