The Walsh Jesuit Warriors defeated the Olentangy Liberty Pirates 2-1 to claim the OHSAA Girls Division I State Soccer Championship on 11/10/23 at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The state title is the 11th for Walsh Jesuit but the first in seven years.
Walsh Jesuit was once a superpower in girls’ high school soccer and the girls took a large step in getting back to that level. The Warriors were a dynasty in the 2010’s, having won the title in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. This is the first title for Head Coach Javier Iriart, in his third year at Walsh Jesuit.
Walsh Jesuit jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, powered by junior midfielder #5 Hannah Pachan’s brace. Pachan had 2 unassisted goals. The first goal was scored in the 7th minute. Pachan collected a loose ball and placed a shot to the lower left past Olentangy Liberty goalkeeper #0 Hailey Myers. Pachan scored again in the 18th minute off a free kick.
Walsh Jesuit makes it 2-0 on a free kick by #5 Hanna Pachan with 22 minutes left in the first half. Pachan has a brace!@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/XP7iE0GV3V
— Joel Speyer (@nyc_buckeye) November 10, 2023
After the match, Coach Iriart spoke about the importance of getting out to an early lead.
Walsh Jesuit head coach Javier Iriart speaks to the importance of scoring first and maintaining a lead.
Walsh Jesuit just won their 11th State Championship and the first since 2016 with a 2-1 victory over Olentangy Liberty.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/wINHIsDBVl
— Joel Speyer (@nyc_buckeye) November 10, 2023
Olentangy Liberty cut the deficit in half in the 30th minute when senior forward #10 Chloe Brecht received a pass from sophomore forward #9 Avery Hilvert and put the finisher past Walsh Jesuit senior goalkeeper #1 Adri Lika. Brecht almost scored the equalizer late in the second half, but Lika made a diving save to maintain the lead. Lika had five saves on the day while allowing one goal.
Olentangy Liberty had a significant advantage in possession, 57% to 43%, but Walsh Jesuit had more shots (13 to 9) and shots on target (7 to 6). Each goalie had 5 saves.
Walsh Jesuit finishes the season with a record of 18-2-3. They defeated Strongsville in the State Semifinals. Olentangy Liberty finishes the season with a record of 19-3-1 and defeated Cincinnati Seton to make the final.
After the result was final and the teams congratulated each other on a hard-fought game, the lady Warriors celebrated with the students and fans.
We have a final score in the OHSAA Division I girls state soccer championship, the Walsh Jesuit Warriors are champions after a 2-1 victory over Olentangy Liberty!@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/zehDzmUd32
— Joel Speyer (@nyc_buckeye) November 10, 2023
Olentangy Liberty Head Coach Chris Allen, in his third year leading the lady Patriots, reflected on the season in his post-game press conference.
Olentangy Liberty Head Coach Chris Allen speaks to the media reflecting on the season. The Patriots are Division I runner-ups.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/mRF5zIdDol
— Joel Speyer (@nyc_buckeye) November 10, 2023
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