By Cort Reynolds
MANSFIELD - The Ada girls soccer team lost 6-0 at powerful Mansfield Christian in the first round of the Div. III sectionals Tuesday evening.
Ada finished its season 4-12 after the defeat. The Lady Flames improved to 13-3-1 with the victory and advanced to the sectional finals.
Mansfield Christian led 5-0 at intermission.
"It's a tough ending," said Lady Bulldog first-year head coach A.J. Wahlie. "We knew it was going to be a big ask. There was a lot to manage in this game, but the group believed because we've managed a lot in in a lot of other games.
"The group has dealt with injuries all around them and continued to fight all season, even when there were no subs," he went on.
"When the dust settles, I think we will look back and realize that it was a good season considering the circumstances. I am incredibly proud of what we built this season, and I want to thank the (two) seniors for what they have meant to the program.
"They have given their heart and soul for four years, and we will miss them," Wahlie added.
Senior all-league standout Brenna Hissong and senior defender Kylie Shafer played their last games for the Ada girls program.
The Bulldog girls were seeded 10th at the drawing for the rugged 11-team sectional, while the Flames were voted fourth.
MC, champion of the Mid-Buckeye league, now visits second-seeded Bluffton (13-2-1) Thursday, Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. in a second round tournament showdown. The Northwest Conference champion Lady Pirates have won 12 matches in a row after a slow start.
The Pirate/Flame victor advances to the district semifinals Oct. 27 at Bluffton High School, likely against third seed Ashland Crestview if form holds.
Liberty-Benton (12-2-2) was voted the top seed in the district. L-B will host the Upper Sandusky/Willard winner in round two Oct. 22.
The district finals will be Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. in Bluffton.
