South Bend Saint Joseph's girls soccer season ended Saturday, Oct. 24, with a 1-0 loss to Guerin Catholic in the Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 2A semi-state championship at Kokomo High School.

The IHSAA tournament bracket confirms the result, which ended the No. 2-ranked Huskies' deepest postseason run since 2021.

One goal decides semi-state final

Guerin Catholic freshman Lainey Yohe scored the game's only goal on a header from a free kick by junior Riley Banks.

The goal came with 32:05 remaining in the second half, according to the South Bend Tribune's game recap.

Saint Joseph had kept the Golden Eagles scoreless through halftime, with junior goalkeeper Lily Neeser making several important first-half saves.

The Huskies had a late opportunity to tie the game, but Guerin Catholic goalkeeper Hailey Alberts stopped a penalty kick by senior Addy DePauw with about two minutes remaining.

Guerin Catholic advanced to the Class 2A state championship against Evansville Memorial, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, in Indianapolis.

Huskies complete breakthrough postseason

Saint Joseph reached the semi-state after shutting out its first four state tournament opponents by a combined score of 20-0.

The Huskies secured the regional championship Oct. 17 with a 1-0 victory over Bellmont at Mishawaka Marian's Abro Stadium.

Sophomore Kira Wasilewski scored the winner in the second half, according to the South Bend Tribune's regional championship report.

That victory marked the program's 15th regional championship, based on the IHSAA's historical records, which list 14 previous titles through 2021.

It also ended four consecutive seasons in which Saint Joseph failed to advance beyond sectionals.

Regional win carries family significance

The regional championship held special meaning for Saint Joseph head coach Phil DePauw and his daughter, senior captain Addy DePauw.

Phil DePauw had coached four previous regional championship teams at Saint Joseph. Addy grew up watching those celebrations before finally experiencing one as a player.

According to the South Bend Tribune, Addy writes "CDC" on the wrists of teammates and coaches before games. The initials stand for "Confidence Drives Champions."

The team's postseason success also followed an injury-disrupted regular season.

Senior captain Emily Keegan and senior Lydia Goodsell each missed significant playing time with leg injuries. Both returned for the tournament.

Saint Joseph entered the postseason with a 14-2-3 record, according to the IHSAA's semi-state bracket.

The Huskies finished one victory short of the state championship game, closing a season highlighted by a regional title and their first semi-state appearance in five years.