By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Ada High School girls soccer team started slowly and lost 3-1 to Columbus Grove in their Div. V Northwest 2 district semifinal rematch on Monday evening, Oct. 26 at Steinmetz Field in Bluffton.

Ada won the battle of the Bulldogs 4-3 earlier this year at Grove, but CG was able to reverse the outcome in the return match.

Ada ends the best season in program history with a 13-3-3 record after the defeat.

CG improved to 12-3-2 with the victory.

Grove’s Liv Mayberry scored two goals, and Mia Verhoff tallied on a penalty kick to provide CG with a commanding 3-0 halftime advantage.

Junior Rose Baxter netted the Ada goal early in half two on an assist from senior Kenley Poling to cut the deficit to 3-1. 

“Tournament time is not the time for slow starts,” said Ada head coach Doug Dewese. “We had a poor first half, which left Grove in charge of controlling tempo in the second. We had a lot working against us before the game even started. Players under the weather and a starter unavailable doesn’t help in a big game.  

“We also were battling outside influences during the game that we had no control over,” he continued. “When one team is allowed to play physical and we are not, well it definitely has an impact on the game. All that aside, though, we are inevitably responsible for whatever outcome happens in a game through execution and effort.  

“Tonight it wasn't there,” he admitted. “We had a ton of opportunities that bounced off bars or just missed wide.”

Three Ada seniors played their last game for the purple and gold.

“I do want to send a special thank you to our seniors,” Dewese said. “They deserved a better end of the season then what they got. I have watched these seniors since U15, and to get to see them finish their Ada soccer career, while so very sad was also very fulfilling.  

“I want to wish those three the best,” he offered. “Reese (Jordan), Kenley (Poling) and Chloe (Hunsicker) will be sorely missed. I am excited with what is coming back next year. Talented returning starters, what will be a big senior class, and a group of freshmen that will be big contributing factors next year as sophomores. Ada (soccer) has a bright future.”

Junior keeper Emily Gibson made 12 saves in goal for Ada.

Grove advances to the district finals at Clyde vs. top seed Oak Harbor on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.