Kalida’s Lauren Schulte looks to get around Delphos Jefferson’s Hannah Joseph during Thursday’s Division III sectional final at Kalida.
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
KALIDA – Ohio fall weather left its mark Thursday evening at Kalida High School. Each team struggled to build an attack offensively as the rain and wind played a major factor from start to finish.
Ady Miller and Cam Recker each connected on goals to seal Kalida’s 2-0 sectional final victory.
“We started out with some nerves but once we calmed down and got into the flow of the game we played well. I have to give a lot of credit to Jefferson’s goalie; she made some tremendous saves.” Kalida head coach David Kehres said.
Delphos Jefferson weathered the storm to the best of their ability, a big part of the Wildcats staying competitive was goalkeeper Alonnah Sellers.
Making just her third varsity start Sellers collected eight saves on 11 Kalida shots.
“All props go to senior Alonnah Sellers on her performance in goal.” Delphos Jefferson head coach Megan Etzkorn said. “She stepped in as back up keeper when our starter Audrey Violet suffered a concussion about two weeks ago. She was fearless with coming out and making the stops.”
Sellers was able to keep Kalida off the board until the eight-minute mark when Ady Miller broke free at midfield and ultimately best Sellers.
“Abby won the ball at midfield and beat a defender and continued to attack and got off a nice shot,” Kehres said.
Kalida was able to strike again in the dying minutes of the first half to build a two-goal cushion entering halftime thanks to an assist from Kaylyn Bockrath.
Bockrath set her teammate Cam Recker up in perfect position for Kalida’s second goal.
“Cam had a great throw in.” Kehres said. “I think we caught them off guard coming out so quick on the throw in and we capitalized.”
The weather remained constant in the second half and the soccer game turned into a kickball game with each side struggling to maintain possession or build an attack.
“All four seniors fought hard tonight and were a joy to have this year. Always tough to end your career in a muddy, physical loss but they should be proud of how they’ve stepped up this season.” Etzkorn said.
Delphos Jefferson’s season comes to a conclusion at 6-10-2. With Thursday night’s win, Kalida improves to 8-5-4 and will advance to next Tuesday’s district semifinal against Coldwater.
Nate Stidham wrote this story for LimaScores.com. Reach The Lima New sports department at 567-242-0451.
