The Switzerland County High School boys varsity soccer team saw its season come to a close last Wednesday night with a 4-1 loss to Madison Shawe in the opening round of the Rising Sun Sectional.
It was an unusual format, with just four teams participating in the Sectional; and Switzerland County had the misfortune to draw the Hilltoppers in the opening round. Madison Shawe came into tournament play with a 15-1 overall record.
The game was a tight one early, with the Hilltoppers holding a 2-0 lead through much of the opening half as the Pacers put up a strong defensive effort.
Switzerland County got on the board at the 37-minute mark of the opening half when Logan Pike’s penalty kick found the back of the net, and that’s how the first half ended.
The Pacers continued to mount momentum as the second 40-minute half got underway, but couldn’t get clear shots or attempts to tie the game.
The score stayed the same through the first quarter of the second half; but that’s when the Madison Shawe offense went on the attack, scoring two more goals in spite of outstanding play in goal by senior Pacer Alex Curran.
At the end of regulation, the Hilltoppers moved on with a 4-1 win that was much closer than the final score indicated.
Southwestern defeated Rising Sun in the second semifinal game; and on Friday night the Hilltoppers defeated the Rebels to claim the Sectional championship.
Rising Sun will now play in the IHSAA Regional tonight (Thursday) with Switzerland County hosting the regional. It will feature the winners of the Charlestown, Jac-Cen-Del, Providence, and Rising Sun Sectionals.
Tonight’s winners will play for the regional championship on Saturday.