The Mariemont High School girls' lacrosse squad showcased resilience and strategic prowess to claim the OHSAA Division II, Region 8 championship. In a gripping final match against archrival Indian Hill, Mariemont emerged victorious with a hard-fought 11-9 scoreline. Despite initial setbacks marked by uncharacteristic passing and turnover issues, the Warriors mounted a formidable comeback in the decisive fourth quarter, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and a well-rounded offensive attack. This triumph not only secures their first regional title since 2022 but also paves their way to the state semifinals, igniting renewed excitement within their devoted community.
Regional Lacrosse Glory: Mariemont Defeats Indian Hill in Tense Showdown
On May 29, 2026, at Mariemont's Kusel Stadium, the Mariemont girls' lacrosse team, boasting an impressive 19-2 record, secured a hard-earned 11-9 victory over their rivals, Indian Hill, in the OHSAA Division II, Region 8 championship game. This momentous win propels Mariemont into the state semifinals, scheduled for June 3 in Centerville, while Indian Hill concludes its season with a 12-6 record.
The match was a testament to competitive spirit, with Indian Hill, having lost 15-8 to Mariemont earlier on April 30, displaying a strong resolve for redemption. They dominated much of the first three quarters, leading 3-1 in the first period and holding a 9-7 advantage in the third. However, Mariemont's determination shone through as they launched a pivotal three-goal run to equalize the score at 9-9 heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter saw Mariemont seize control. Sophomore Nellie Deeter netted a crucial goal four minutes into the period, giving Mariemont a 10-9 lead. Junior Piper Farrell, who led the team with an impressive five goals for the night, extended the lead to 11-9. Farrell's explosive performance was particularly highlighted by her scoring a goal with less than a second remaining in the first half, leveling the score at 6-6, and then following up with another goal just 30 seconds into the third quarter to give Mariemont a temporary 7-6 lead.
Head coach Kevin Ferry acknowledged the team's initial struggles with "throwing and catching," but praised their adaptability, noting that "we made a couple of personnel changes... and it worked out in our favor." Mariemont's offensive depth was evident, with seven players having scored 28 or more goals this season. Deeter contributed two goals, bringing her season total to 43. Junior Mary McIntosh, with two early goals, now stands at 33 for the season, also adding an assist. Senior Olivia Riportella scored once, reaching 40 goals, and junior Lily Kaplan also scored, tallying 36 goals. Senior captain Charlotte Soller, despite not scoring in this game, has an impressive 42 goals this season and 129 in her career.
For Indian Hill, junior Kallie Adams led with five goals, ending her season with 65. Sophomore Carson Bahl scored once, finishing with 78 goals. Sophomore Lilly Harris added two goals, bringing her total to 41, and Nella Grace Lewellen contributed one goal, making her season total 12. Indian Hill's roster included two seniors, Meran Phelps and Cora Riggs.
The victory was a culmination of intense effort and team unity. Senior captain Charlotte Soller expressed the team's collective sentiment: "We really want to finish this job that we started, and we're so excited. We really had the heart and the character. Our love for each other and the support for each other all came through." Coach Ferry emphasized the broader impact of such a win on the community, stating, "It keeps the lacrosse culture in our community strong. It's fun for the kids. There's no experience quite like going to the state semis and it energizes the whole program."
This thrilling regional championship is a testament to the Mariemont girls' lacrosse team's unwavering spirit and strategic acumen. Their ability to overcome a deficit and perform under pressure underscores their championship potential. This victory serves as an inspiring example of how teamwork, resilience, and adaptability can lead to triumph even in the face of adversity, reinforcing the importance of nurturing a strong athletic culture within educational institutions.
