MIDDLETOWN — Badin’s late-season surge continued Thursday night, Oct. 29, as the Rams rolled past Butler 5-0 in a Division III girls soccer district championship at Middletown High School.
Badin (11-7-1) advanced to face top-ranked Ross in a regional semifinal Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. at Princeton High School. Butler finished its season 15-5.
Here are five takeaways from the Rams’ victory:
1. Badin peaking at the right time
After an inconsistent regular season, the Rams have found their rhythm when it matters most.
“It’s been really rocky,” Badin senior Danielle Birri said. “We just went on this uphill, and we’ve had shutouts for the past 10 games.”
2. First-half offensive explosion
Badin wasted little time taking control. Avery Schermer opened the scoring with 23:40 remaining in the first half before Lucy Nieman added two goals.
Bella McFarland blasted home another to give the Rams a commanding 4-0 halftime lead. Freshman Avery Fritsch capped the scoring in the second half off a McFarland assist.
3. Defense continues to dominate
Junior goalkeeper Morgan Byrne and Badin’s back line delivered another shutout. The Rams’ ability to control possession and limit opposing scoring opportunities has fueled their postseason success.
“Defensively, we’re sound,” Badin coach Chris Slusher said. “Our midfielders, they’re just playing tenacious defense. And then it helps when you possess.”
4. Butler’s future remains bright
The Aviators’ season ended at 15-5 under first-year coach Daniel Pierron, who guided Butler to a district championship appearance.
“I feel like we’re ahead of schedule,” Pierron said. “We’re only graduating three seniors. So that’s something exciting to look forward to.”
5. Top-ranked Ross awaits
Badin faces its biggest postseason challenge Tuesday against No. 1 Ross. The Badin Rams could receive a boost with the potential return of Audrey Rhodis, who has been sidelined with an injury.
Slusher said his team’s approach won’t change regardless of the opponent.
“We just focus on one team at a time,” Slusher said. “It’s more about the game, not about who we play.”
