INDIANAPOLIS – It’s not often a player can open and close the scoring in a state championship game, so for Heritage Christian sophomore Myla Spangler, it was like a dream.
Spangler’s two goals book ended a penalty kick by teammate Adriana Everhart to lead the Eagles to a 3-0 win over Bremen in the Class 1A girls title contest.
The Eagles of coach Reyna Eckel dominated the game throughout, but it wasn’t until Spangler tapped in a loose ball in front of the Bremen net in the 39th minute that Heritage Christian had firm control.
“It was a huge relief to get that goal, especially just before halftime,” Eckel said. “It really changed the dynamic of the rest of the game for us.”
It may have changed a bit, but the dynamic Heritage set was already in full force. The Eagles defense completely stymied Bremen right from the start. Bremen recorded only three shots in the game (two in the last minute of the contest) and never really threatened to dent the scoreboard.
IHSAA Class 1A Girls Soccer State Championship
Heritage Christian 3, Bremen 0
Heritage Christian (16-7) especially shut down Bremen’s leading scorer, Avary Malcom as the senior had only one shot in the game. Malcom came in with 51 goals this season.
“Our girls possessed the ball really well,” Eckel said. “When we did lose possession, we had a mentality to get it back within three seconds. We did that for much of the game.”
“They are a very good team,” Bremen coach Ricardo Reynoso said in praise of HC. “Offensively, we tried to give (Malcom) more help, but they are a very tough team.”
The Eagles finally broke through when Spangler came up with a corner kick by teammate Emma Gast in a scrum in front of the Bremen net.
“We were just waiting for an opportunity like that,” Spangler said. “I do think we felt some anxiety lifted from us with that goal.”
It remained 1-0 until another scrum in front of the Bremen net resulted in a handball infraction on the Lions in the 57th minute. Everhart then stepped up and booted in goal No. 2.
Just three minutes later, Spangler closed the scoring after taking a pass from Lauryn Dolvin.
Heritage began the season ranked No. 1 in the state poll, but seven regular-season losses dropped it to sixth heading into the tournament. A victory in the regional final over No. 1 Oldenburg Academy in penalty kicks, then another penalty-kick victory over Providence in the semistate set the Eagles up in the title game.
The championship is the second for Heritage Christian after having won in 2021.
Bremen was making its first state finals appearance after never having won even a sectional title previously.
Bremen’s Isabella Calentine earns Wynns Mental Attitude Award
Following the match, Isabella Calentine of Bremen High School was named the recipient of the Theresia Wynns Mental Attitude Award.
Isabella is currently ranked 10th in her senior class of 117. She is a member of Key Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, Recycling Club, and Spanish Club. She has earned numerous All-Conference awards for her play on the field and numerous Academic All-Conference honors for her work in the classroom. Isabella has served as Team Captain for the past two seasons.
The daughter of Scott and Julie Calentine of Bremen, Indiana, Isabella intends to study Aviation, but is currently undecided on her college choice.
The award is annually presented to a senior, who is nominated by her principal and coach, and has demonstrated excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership, and athletic ability during her four years of high school. The award is named in honor of Theresia Wynns, who served as an IHSAA assistant commissioner from 1997-2012 and administered the sports of girls and boys soccer as well as the licensing of over 8,000 officials in the state of Indiana.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, a proud corporate partner of the IHSAA, presented a $1,000 scholarship to the general scholarship fund at Bremen High School in the name of Isabella Calentine.
IHSAA’s Champion of Education Award, presented by Ivy Tech Community College
This award recognizes teachers and faculty who go above and beyond to challenge students to reach their full potential. As an organization that emphasizes keeping education at the forefront of high school athletics, the IHSAA is proud to shine a light on two honorees in this year’s class. On behalf of Ivy Tech Community College, presenting sponsors of the IHSAA Champion of Education Award, the IHSAA will award $250 to the classroom of each recipient.
Amber Reed teaches Finance, Marketing, Business, and Entrepreneurship at Bremen High School. A dynamic leader both in and out of school, Amber plays a key role in connecting her students with local businesses and community opportunities. Her impact extends beyond academics as she also dedicates her time to sponsoring several extracurricular activities, helping students grow as leaders and innovators!
Kourtney Dolvin teaches Math and History at Heritage Christian School. From planning pep rallies to supporting any sort of student activity, Kourtney’s enthusiasm and servant spirit has been impactful in helping foster a positive school culture. Her desire to allow others to see Christ through her actions is evident in all she does!
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