PORTAGE — Lakeview had already made history this season with the most wins in program history. The girls soccer team was looking to add to that legacy as it played in the district final.
The Spartans fell short of that goal, but the progress the team has made in recent years is real.
Portage Central defeated Lakeview 4-1 in a Division 1 girls soccer district championship game at Portage Northern on Saturday, May 30.
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Senior Lilamae Frank, who was playing her final high school game before heading to compete in women’s soccer for Ball State University, was disappointed in the loss, but she left the field for the final time with appreciation for what the team had achieved.
“We have worked really, really hard to get this far,” Frank said. “We made a great run. Disappointed that we didn’t win as underdogs today.
“But as soon as we came as freshmen, I think the program changed the last four years. It was a really great run we’ve had. We came in as babies and we blossomed and we did a lot together.”
Lakeview finished the season at 14-4-3, which is the best record in program history. The Spartans were seeking the school’s first-ever district title going against a Portage Central team they had lost to twice in the regular season and was ranked No. 4 in the state.
Portage Central jumped out with a goal in the first four minutes of the game to lead 1-0 on a header by McKinley O’Reilly.
The Mustangs were up 2-0 at halftime on a goal by Ally Martin.
Lakeview held it there through much of the second half until Frank scored on a header on a crossing pass by Abby Kline to cut the lead to 2-1 with 8:20 remaining regulation.
Portage Central responded with two late goals by Lily Grueter to advance.
“We had a great regular season. We seem to have a bit of a psychological issue when it comes to playing big teams in the postseason,” Lakeview coach Jason Little said. “We had a lot of opportunities to score, but we just couldn’t capitalize. Unfortunately, we couldn’t bring it all together today.”
Division 2
No. 2-ranked Gull Lake came away with a district title after beating No. 3-ranked Grand Rapids Christian in an overtime shootout, 3-2. Gull Lake, at 15-1-3, will face No. 14 Grand Rapids Christian (13-2-4) in a regional semifinal at Otsego on Tuesday, June 2.
Division 4
The Calhoun Christian/St. Philip co-op team saw its season come to an end with a 9-1 loss to Schoolcraft. Adriana Miller scored the lone goal for CC/St. Philip. CC/St. Philip finished the season at 8-7.
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @billbroderick
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Girls soccer teams compete in district finals. Who advanced to regionals?
Reporting by Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer / Battle Creek Enquirer
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