The Detroit Country Day Yellowjackets celebrated a historic seventh state championship on Saturday, edging Grand Rapids West Catholic 1-0 in the Division 3 final.
From the opening whistle the Yellowjackets seized control, monopolizing possession and pressing deep into Falcon territory, ultimately finding the breakthrough just before the half‑hour mark.
Scarlett Lossia delivered a perfectly weighted chip that dropped over the outstretched keeper, allowing Aliya Saad to meet it with a crisp one‑time strike that nestled into the net at the 9:21 mark of the first half.
Defensive Masterclass
At the heart of that effort was senior defender Jenna Shaban, whose commanding presence anchored a backline that also featured Julia Goetz, Charlotte Hartley and Bella Schimizzi. Together they limited Grand Rapids to a single shot on target, preserving a clean sheet that stretched across six playoff contests.
The Yellowjackets finished the match with 15 shot attempts and 12 corner kicks, evidence of an aggressive, creative offense that kept the Falcons on the back foot throughout.
Grand Rapids goalkeeper Katelyn Adams made seven spectacular saves, but the relentless pressure finally told when Lossia’s chip found its mark.
The victory marks a milestone for the school: it is the first time in the institution’s history that both the boys’ and girls’ soccer programs have captured state titles in the same academic year, underscoring a broader resurgence of the athletic department.
Coach Ava Amezcua, who has guided the squad through a demanding schedule, praised the team’s discipline and chemistry, noting that the championship was achieved without the need for a penalty shootout — a goal the Yellowjackets set for themselves at the start of the season.