With the opening game of the Sectional against Herron on Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. at Greensburg, the women’s soccer team will begin its journey to a repeat State championship under Head Coach Mr. Marc Behringer ’84. 

The team capped off the regular season by beating Bishop Chatard 1-0 in overtime to capture the City title.

According to Behringer, the coaches have asked for more focus, energy and intensity to prepare the Irish for tournament play. “After watching the team all season, the coaches build trainings that are more focused on what will make us successful. The team understands how to play and what the coaches are asking them to do, now we are sharpening our skills on the ball to ensure our ability to do the right thing in each situation,” Behringer said. 

As seniors, Marcelle Blanchet. Carson Kwiatkowski and Bridget Stratman were selected to lead, but Behringer said leadership must come from the entire Senior Class and from any other players who have something to add. He said, “The leadership primarily lies in playing for each other, supporting each other no matter what happens and in being willing to suffer for the sake of the team.”

The intelligence of the players as well as their ability to score from set pieces, the strong family the women have created, as well as the desire the players have to reach their potential all contribute to strengths of the team. For the weaknesses, Behringer said the level of athleticism from opponents that typically surprises his team’s is a challenge the team will face in the postseason. 

The team will compete in the 2A Greensburg Sectional, competing against Batesville, Beech Grove, Greensburg, Herron and Shortridge. Behringer said that Batesville defeated the team in the 2018 regular season, “so we are aware of the challenge they present. Our team is looking forward to a match with them,” said Behringer. 

All but two of the team’s opponents during the regular season are 3A schools, teams that are larger schools that do not compete in the 2A tournament. “This level of competition allows us to identify the things we need to work on and gives us confidence playing the smaller schools in our Sectional,” said Behringer. 

According to Behringer, the Sectional tournament is the primary focus in these final weeks because winning Sectional allows you to play in the next tournament. He said, “Each step leads to the next, but the team goal of a State championship demands focusing on the first step and, consequently, each step that is right in front of you. Otherwise, your chances of falling are greater.”

Behringer said the team is focusing on playing their best soccer when the tournament begins. “The ladies play the entire season to prepare for the tournament. The preparation gives a level of satisfaction, and good results leading into the postseason are a spark for what is to come,” said Behringer.