Last year, Crofton lifted the 3A trophy after Kylie Corcoran scored a late winner for a narrow victory over River Hill. This year, there was no drama: With a comfortable cushion, Cardinals Coach Amy Skrickus was able to give goalie Ryleigh Osborne a curtain call and bring in senior Downing Lose for the final few minutes.
Crofton has one of the most talented rosters in the state, but moving up to 4A presented a new challenge. The Cardinals (16-2) were up to the task.
“We understood that we needed to fight this entire game,” said Osborne, who made two diving stops at the goal line. “… We weren’t going to let up, because if we did let up we know that this team is very capable of scoring.”
Saturday brought a familiar feeling for Churchill (16-2), too. The Bulldogs advanced to the 4A title game for the third straight year but were left with runner-up medals yet again. When the final horn sounded, Churchill senior Emma Datch embraced teammate Jenna Pigott as the Cardinals’ celebration unfolded behind them.
“That was a really emotional moment for me,” Datch said. “… We’ve gotten so close as a team this year, and I’m proud of where we’ve gone. It’s just hard that it’s the end.”
In Thursday’s semifinal win over Broadneck — last year’s 4A champion and the team responsible for Crofton’s only losses this season — the Cardinals scored first and dared the Bruins to beat Osborne and their sturdy defense. On Saturday, they kept the pressure on all game long.
After Charlotte DeForest tipped in a shot by Emily Najarian just over midway through the first quarter, the floodgates opened. In the second quarter, Olivia Feeley and Sophia Galarza added their names to the scoresheet. Second-half goals by Mary-Cate Parks and Feeley settled the margin of victory.
Crofton’s seniors built a stronger foundation than anyone could have imagined. The standard has been set as they step away.
“Definitely upsetting that I’m leaving, but I’m very happy for this team,” said Corcoran, who got to carry the trophy into the locker room. “They’re going to be great next year — hopefully win another state championship.”