Page too much for Lady Champs in 11-A/AA final

Cascade's Laura Jett (1) pushes off Page's Marlee Maynard and finds some room to attack down the sideline. (T-G Photo by Jasen Richardson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

HUNTLAND -- The District 11-A/AA tournament championship was a bittersweet moment for Cascade's girls soccer team.

Even though the Lady Champions fell 5-1 to Page at Huntland High School on Thursday night, the team celebrated the school's first-ever berth in the Region 6-A/AA tournament.

Cascade (7-6) travels to District 12-A/AA winner Spring Hill on Tuesday night at 6.

"I think we're ready for a regional game," Cascade coach Monica Lewis said. "I'm looking forward to it. I think it will be really exciting. It will be a whole different level for these girls and it will be a great experience for them. I have no clue what to expect from them. We have potential to do a lot and we've shown that."

Page (18-0) earned their second straight district crown. They have allowed only had six goals all season.

In the 73rd minute, Ashley Bledsoe floated the ball halfway from midfield and it deflected off the hands of Page goalkeeper Katie Wright. Jennifer Molder took advantage quickly and assisted Kathleen Lohay, who nestled the ball into the lower right corner of the net.

"This time it was much better being able to score on (Page)," said Lewis, whose team lost 6-0 to the Lady Pats during the regular season. "I came in here tonight wanting to keep them at five or below and score a goal, and that's what we did. They're an awesome team, and I wasn't sure if we could beat them or not. I am very pleased with what we did and I think we played very well."

Cascade goalkeeper Kayla Carden put up tremendous numbers with 26 saves. In the 35th minute, Carden stood her ground and snuffed a point blank shot to the middle. Kelsey Wilkes tried to sneak one past her in the 43rd minute, but was stopped by a sliding dive to the right.

"(Carden) is an awesome goalie and she is just a sophomore. By the time she is a senior, there's no telling what she'll be," Lewis said. "The girls were teasing her about getting dirty tonight. I think she definitely got dirty tonight, because she was on the ground quite a bit."

Page came out early and played their positions quickly and precisely. Just two minutes in, Kelsey Giddens fired a shot outside the box to the upper right corner of the mesh. Caroline Slemp curved the ball and split the twine from near the sidelines at the 29-minute mark.

Cascade went into the half with a two-goal deficit.

The second half invited two goals by Wilkes: one in the 44th minute and a penalty kick at the 50-minute mark. Micki Dye tacked on a rebound goal in the 48th minute.