by Hudson, Ohio – The Hudson Explorers defeated the Magnificat Blue Streaks, 19-4, in regional final action at Hudson Memorial Stadium Thursday night.
Hudson came into Thursday’s contest looking to return back to the state final four. Magnificat was looking for their first regional title in school history. The Blue Streaks defeated Hoover, 10-8, on Tuesday evening in their regional semifinal.
The Explorer offense averaged 17.3 goals a game during their playoff run, having been in tune the entire season. Junior Grace Churchwell got things started with a goal less than 90 seconds into the contest.
Mackie Stickler added two quick goals within the span of one minute, increasing the Hudson lead to 3-0. Ava Kuss added her first to increase the lead to 4-0, prompting a Magnificat timeout at the 8:01 mark of the first quarter.
Audra Lozina and Renee Morgan added goals of their own to increase the lead to 6-0. Magnificat got on the board at the 3:18 mark with a goal from freshman Mary Connor. Renee Morgan added her second goal at the 1:42 mark, pushing the Hudson lead to 7-1 after one. During the period, Morgan’s goal came off an impressive behind-the-back assist from Lexie St. Pierre.
Hudson continued to light up the scoreboard in the second quarter.
Renee Morgan tacked on a pair of goals, and Grace Churchwell and Lexie St. Pierre also found the back of the net. Stella Frain added a goal for Magnificat, and Ava Kuss countered with her second goal in the stanza. Hudson went into the half with a 12-2 lead.
Hudson led 15-3 after three, as Ava Kuss, Grace Churchwell, and Lexie St. Pierre added goals. Mary Connor scored for Magnificat in the stanza.
Audra Lozina, Lauren Brownlee, Grace Churchwell, and Renee scored in the fourth quarter for Hudson, as did Courtney Convery for Magnificat for the final margin.
Hudson advances to play Olentangy Liberty, who defeated New Albany, 10-9, in their regional final. The June 4th state semifinal will be a rematch of the two teams’ April 20th matchup. On that day, Olentangy Liberty emerged victorious, 15-10.
