By Drew Terhall

Dailyadvocate.com

DAYTON — The Lady Wave soccer team gave it their best effort in their final game of the season. They lost 3-0 at fifth Chaminade Julienne in the Division III OHSAA Southwest Girls Soccer Sectional Tournament on Oct. 17.

The Lady Eagles had shutout some of the top MVL teams in Butler and Sidney. They also beat Troy 3-2 this season. Head coach John Tabler said he is extremely proud of his team for giving their best effort against a great team.

“That is the best match our girls have played all season long. A lot on our defensive end, but the thing is they never quite the entire night, it was their best effort. They battled tonight and that was the goal. We want to play an entire match if this was our last game,” Tabler said.

Greenville was down 2-0 at halftime after spending most of the first half on defense. They only had one or two chances on offense, but couldn’t generate much more.

The back row of the defense didn’t allow the Lady Eagles any easy shots. As the game went on, Chaminade Julienne started to settle for longer shots. Junior Cheyanne Gear, junior Jocelyn Reier, freshman Haylee Moore, sophomore Lauren Wills and freshman Claire Lyons all played back on defense and made life difficult for the Lady Eagles.

Junior Rachel Wright was solid in net all game long facing a barrage of shots all game long. After allowing the first goal at the 32 minute mark, she made save after save to keep the Lady Eagles from lighting up the scoreboard. One shot did get passed Wright on a breakaway attempt at the two minute mark to give Chaminade Julienne a 2-0 lead at halftime.

It was more of the same in the second half. Greenville had limited attempts offensively, but continued to play solid defense only allowing the one goal in the second half.

Wright finished the game with 38 saves. Tabler said the team was exhausted after that match and have been exhausted to end the season. Including this match, they played five games in 10 days.

The Lady Wave have dealt with this problem all season long. Tabler said they battled through many injuries that limited their depth and it really hit them mid way through the season. He also said while the team was getting tired, they over came those problems and kept moving along.

This game showed the team what they are capable of. Tabler said after their 9-0 win over West Carrollton on Sept. 18, the team started to play better and continued to learn the game more. They bought more into the team aspect of the game and it showed on the field.

“For these girls to come out and give what they had tonight was a huge growth for them. To understand they’re capable of so much more,” Tabler said. “Maybe they’re not pushing hard enough in practice. But to recognize it sets a standard for next season. We’ve seen growth.”

Tabler said this season has been great and is honored to be able to lead this team.

“It is a privilege to be able to come out with a bunch of girls like this and coach. Teach them life and continue to encourage them to never give up and never quit fighting. That’s going to be life,” Tabler said.

The team only graduates one senior, Ava Dutton. The rest will be able to return to build on this season.

Contact Daily Advocate sports editor Drew Terhall at [email protected].