MACEDONIA–Rae Ehrbar scored two goals in West Geauga’s 2-1 victory over Copley in a Division II, Region 5 semifinal at Nordonia High School on Tuesday.
With the win, the Wolverines advanced to Saturday’s regional championship game against league rival Chagrin Falls.
“I am so happy with the way these girls came out tonight and they just had a deep belief in themselves,” said West Geauga coach Kori Jesenovec. “Even though we were down in the first half, I think in the second half they just found that passion and belief in themselves, and they played to their standards in the second half.”
“Ehrbar’s goals both occurred during a seven-minute span in the second half that helped West Geauga erase a 1-0 halftime deficit.
She scored the equalizer with 36 minutes left in the game and the game-winner just over six minutes later.
“When you create dangerous opportunities in the box, things go your way and you can create things, and that is exactly what we did,” Jesenovec said.
While the Wolverines were shut out in the first half, they didn’t panic and always believed they could find a way to win.
“For us, it’s all about how we come out,” Ehrbar said. “If we come out strong and we play our game, then we can win.”
Ashlyn Drayer recorded 11 saves in the victory.
With the win, the Wolverines improved to 11-3-6 on the year and will play in the regional championship game for the first time since 2010 when they lost to Walsh Jesuit, 6-0, to end the year with a 19-1-2 record.
The Wolverines will face a familiar opponent on Saturday in Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division rival Chagrin Falls. The two teams battled to a 2-2 draw during the Sept. 9 regular-season matchup.
Chagrin Falls advanced with a 2-1 double-overtime win against Kenston in the other regional semifinal.
