Norwayne avenges regular-season losses, beats Chippewa for district title

REVERE — Two great programs. Two legendary coaches. Two teams led by fierce leaders.

This epic showdown between the Wayne County Athletic League rivals, Chippewa and Norwayne, lived up to the hype. The 43rd encounter between these teams had everything: intense game flow, strategic adjustments, incredible plays, physical collisions, and flaring tempers. In the end, star forward Shelby Vaughn delivered the final blow that gave Norwayne a thrilling 2-1 victory in the Division III Revere District final.

In the 73rd minute of the game, with the score tied 1-1, Vaughn, who is headed to Michigan State, unleashed a shot that shattered one team’s dreams and ignited hope for her own. She made a daring run up the far wing, maneuvering her way to the right side of the box. Although her first shot was blocked, she seized the opportunity when she saw the loose ball and fired a laser into the left post, leaving the diving Chippewa goalkeeper Madison Breeden helpless.

“The first shot got blocked, but when the second chance came, I knew it was my moment to strike,” said Vaughn.

Vaughn’s confidence in her winning shot never wavered.

“I had no doubt it would go in,” said Vaughn.

Her teammate, Maci Kimberlin, echoed the sentiment with enthusiasm, saying, “No doubt!”

Earlier in the game, it was Chippewa’s Annie Henegar who gave her team a 1-0 lead by landing a shot just inside the far post. The Norwayne players were initially concerned, but their faith in their team’s unity and determination prevailed.

“When they scored, I was freaking out,” admitted Kimberlin. “But I knew that if we could come together as a team, things would work out. I am just so excited right now.”

Vaughn added, “After they scored, we gathered as a team and said, ‘This is our time to score.’ I’m glad we came out on top.”

Norwayne’s defense stepped up after Chippewa’s goal, becoming more aggressive and creating numerous chances in the offensive third. Goalkeeper Sydney Emler made five crucial saves, and the defense held strong in the final minutes of the second half to give their team a chance at victory.

During the game, Vaughn adjusted her approach, attacking all the way up the pitch instead of pulling up outside or at the top of the box. Her persistence paid off when she beat a defender on the left wing, accelerated towards the left post, and fired an equalizer with 12:49 remaining in regulation.

“It feels like a dream come true; it’s like playing with a celebrity,” Kimberlin exclaimed. “Shelby and I have a special connection on the field, and I’m thrilled to continue our season together.”

For Vaughn, defeating their rival, who had emerged victorious in the previous matchups, including a remarkable 4-3 comeback, was a priority. This time, it was Norwayne’s turn to rally and produce a stunning victory.

“We came into this game with the mindset that it was our time to prove ourselves,” Vaughn declared. “We knew we were a strong team capable of matching their skills.”

Vaughn, who took charge on the field after Chippewa scored, impressed her coach, Jason Zimmerly.

“I saw her grab the ball, march to midfield, and I thought, ‘She’s not losing tonight,'” Zimmerly recalled. “She exudes an attitude of determination, and the whole team feeds off of it. Despite her injuries, she left everything on that field and battled relentlessly.”

Zimmerly expressed his immense satisfaction with the growth of his young team, stating, “The girls made tremendous progress this year, and tonight’s win was absolutely fantastic.”

While the Chipps’ streak of regional appearances ended after eight years, the senior class left a lasting impact on one of the most storied programs in the area. These seniors fought fiercely, keeping the rally alive and nearly forcing the game into golden goal play.

“Our seniors were exceptional leaders, and we are a tightly-knit team. I couldn’t be prouder of them,” said Chippewa coach Ruth Coney. “This team was remarkable, and I’m incredibly proud of all of them.”

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Girls Soccer: Norwayne beats Chippewa for district title