The postseason is all about surviving and advancing and that’s what second-seeded Wickliffe did against No. 7 Wellington in a 4-3 double double-overtime Thursday.
Joelle Banks found the back of the net with less than two minutes remaining in the second overtime to lead the Blue Devils to the district semifinals.
“It was a true test of our team character and the team stepped up to persevere through it,” Wickliffe coach Steve Gribovicz said. “This game tested our pressure situation mentality. It should prove to enhance our level of play moving into the district semifinal.”
Morgan Gabriel, Gianna Ranallo and Mia Welms each scored a first half goal as the Blue Devils took a 3-1 lead into the break.
“We got off to a good start using some wide play and connecting passes,” Gribovicz said. “As the game wore on, Wellington forced their style on us and got a few goals back. However, our team withstood the attack, kept its composure and was able to gut out a goal within the last two minutes of the second OT.”
Caitlyn Henderson assisted on one goal and Kaylee Lauriel recorded 10 saves for the Blue Devils.
Wickliffe will host No. 3 Cuyahoga Heights in the district semifinals on Oct. 22 at 7:00 p.m. The Redskins won the regular season matchup, 6-1.
