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Thanks to an early goal, just 93 seconds into the game, Indianapolis Cathedral escaped with a 1-0 victory over South Bend Saint Joseph in the Class 2-A state championship game.

Despite being outshot, 22-5, the Cathedral defense and goalkeeper Sophia Saucerman made the goal standup as coach Marc Behringer’s squad claimed their first state championship since 2009 and third overall. Cathedral won its last eight games and finished 13-4-4 on the season.

The goal came after a scrum in front of the Saint Joseph net. The ball went off the foot of Irish junior Maddie Wirth and she was credited with the goal that got past goalkeeper Kamryn Wieschhaus.

Saint Joseph, which lost a 3-1 decision to Evansville Memorial in last year’s state title game, pretty much controlled the action from that point, but couldn’t find the net. Saucerman recorded eight saves en route to the shutout.

Coach Phil DePauw’s Indians came in with a 12-0-1 mark in its previous 13 games and finish 16-6-2.

Isabel Ortiz of South Bend St. Joseph earns Mental Attitude Award 
Isabel Ortiz of South Bend St. Joseph High School was named the winner of the Mental Attitude Award, sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, for Girls Class 2A Soccer by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee.

The Indians’ senior defender has led the defense to 12 shutouts this season. Ortiz has been an NIC All Conference player in 2017 and 2018, along with being a State Finalist both years. Isabel is ranked 2 of 217 students in her class and is an active member of Mock Trial, Student Council, and is the Student Body Vice President. She is also involved with the Youth group with Saint Joe Parish. Ortiz spends her time volunteering with Reins of Life, Appalachian Service Project, and tutoring.

The daughter of Robert and Leah Ortiz, Isabel is considering Notre Dame to study Pre-med.

The IHSAA Executive Committee, on behalf of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, will award a scholarship for $1,000 to South Bend St. Joseph High School in the name of Isabel Ortiz.  Since 1989, almost $900,000 in college scholarships has been presented to deserving high school students in Indiana.