Ottawa Girls Soccer Team Clinches First Regional Crown in Thrilling Overtime Victory
The Ottawa High School girls soccer squad captured its maiden regional championship on Tuesday, edging Orion/Sherrard United 9-6 in a match that lived up to its "beyond crazy" billing.
A 5-0 halftime lead seemed to promise an easy win, but the opposition rallied in the second half, forcing the game into sudden death. The Pirates, led by senior forward Chloe Carmona, weathered the comeback and ultimately prevailed.
Carmona was the catalyst, finishing with six goals and raising her season tally to 54. Her decisive strikes came in both overtime periods, the second of which was sealed with a penalty kick that put the result beyond reach.
Coach Kevin Olesen praised the team's resilience, noting that the players "stuck together" despite the shifting momentum. "We never lost belief," he said, highlighting the depth of talent across the roster.
Georgia Kirkpatrick contributed 32 goals and 24 assists this season, while Allison Power added her 10th goal of the year in the championship game. Teammates Shaelyn Miller, Kendall Hardee, Addie Jewett and Taylor Brandt also played key roles.
The victory sets up a sectional semifinal showdown against Geneva on Tuesday at 5 p.m. The Pirates will look to extend their run as they chase a deeper postseason run.
Orion/Sherrard United concludes the season with a 19-5 record, a respectable finish after a hard-fought battle in the regional final.
Looking Ahead to the Sectional Semifinals
With the regional title secured, the focus now shifts to the upcoming sectional semifinals. The Pirates will meet Geneva High School, a team that has impressed throughout the year, in a clash that promises another tightly contested affair.
Coach Olesen and the senior leadership group have emphasized preparation and mental toughness, knowing that the next match will demand the same grit that defined the regional final.
Fans and alumni are expected to turn out in force for the Tuesday night fixture, which will be streamed live on the school's athletic page.