Columbus Grove celebrates as a team after Lauryn Auchmuty’s second goal of the night against Evergreen.
Chris Howell | The Lima News
PORT CLINTON — Columbus Grove’s 2-1 win over Evergreen in Tuesday’s D-V Regional Semifinal wasn’t a comeback story on the scoreboard, but for Lauryn Auchmuty, it was a story about getting back up.
With 6:44 left in the first half, Auchmuty collided with Evergreen keeper Ellie Nash, which caused her to land on a shoulder that was previously injured during a win over Bluffton.
Auchmuty stayed down on the turf for several minutes but eventually walked off under her own power, then re-entered the game in the second half and scored both of Columbus Grove’s goals to keep its postseason run rolling into the weekend.
What turned out to be a minor setback in the first half, set the stage for a major comeback, resulting in a last-minute victory for Columbus Grove.
“I wish I could take credit for it but that’s all her,” Columbus Grove coach Kyle Verhoff said of Auchmuty with a smile. “She’s the highest scorer on the team with the most assists on the team so she’s been extremely important to us.
“We’ve always been a second-half team. The girls always go out, dig deep and they’re always able to turn it around. Usually, someone in the last few minutes of the game, and a lot of times that’s Lauryn, steps up and takes care of business.”
Auchmuty broke a scoreless tie with 30:31 left in the second half but Evergreen responded at the 20:49 mark with a goal from Lyla Radel. For the next 10 minutes, the Vikings controlled field position and put plenty of pressure on Columbus Grove keeper Erianne Heffner. All to no avail.
“Evergreen has really come around the past five or six games,” Verhoff said. “I don’t know what changed over there but they’ve really come together. They’re one heck of a good team but our girls win everything with the effort they put in.”
It was that effort that carried the Bulldogs over the top.
After avoiding a number of close calls, including a free kick from Radel that bounced off the top crossbar, Columbus Grove scored with 3:36 left on the clock — Auchmuty’s second goal of the game.
Both teams fired nine shots on goal. Heffner saved eight and Nash stopped seven.
Evergreen concluded its season with a record of 13-6-2, while Columbus Grove heads to the Regional Finals for the first time in school history,
The Bulldogs will travel to Mucci Field in Huron on Saturday to take on Kirkland, who defeated Kalida 2-1 on Tuesday night. The winner of that matchup heads to the final four and moves just two wins away from a State title.
“We’re still just having fun. Everything after districts is fun,” Verhoff said. “These girls are a heck of a good time. They’re giving their all and I’m really proud of them.”
Box score
CG 0 2 — 2
EV 0 1 — 1
Scoring Summary
CG — Lauryn Auchmuty — 30:31, 2nd
EV — Lyla Radel — 20:49, 2nd
CG — Lauryn Auchmuty — 3:36, 2nd
Shots on goal
CG 9, EV 9
Saves
CG 8, EV 7
Corner kicks
CG 3, EV 5
Free kicks
CG 4, EV 6
Goal kicks
CG 10, 11
Reach Chris Howell at 567-242-0468 or on Twitter/X at @Lima_Howell
