WEST SALEM — The ball barely had space to slip under West Salem High School junior Baylee Faucett’s arm as she tried to stop a Baldwin-Woodville penalty kick, but it did.
It forced the top-seeded Panthers to deal with a tied game midway through the first half of their WIAA Division 3 sectional semifinal against visiting Baldwin-Woodville, but it didn’t deter their push forward.
West Salem’s ability to maintain its focus with the help of a team huddle after the only goal it allowed helped pave the way for a 2-1 victory over Baldwin-Woodville on Thursday and chance to play for a spot in next week’s state tournament in Milwaukee.
“This was the first time in our playoff run that we were pushed really hard,” West Salem coach Lionel Karyea said. “They were physical, and we knew that coming in, and it wasn’t happening for us on offense.
“We need to win games like that, and I really appreciate the way the team fought for that.”
The penalty kick threatened to give the Blackhawks (14-3) momentum, but it didn’t last long if it even materialized. The Panthers reclaimed their lead less than five minutes later when freshman Amelia Karr gained possession, pressured the goal and had her shot blocked.
Sophomore Ava Schuster was there for the rebound shot and found the back of the net for the goal that produced the final score before halftime.
“You get that goal, you’re up, and you’re on top of the world at that point,” senior Brynlee Kelly said. “You did what you have to do.”
Karyea said that successful play started with team huddle after the penalty kick.
“We had just gotten scored on, and Sam Niemeier said in our huddle that it was now a 0-0 game,” senior Kayla Olson said. “We were still playing very well, our communication was still very good, and it was one mistake.
“Baylee was doing a very good job and almost had it, too.”
Faucett also made a couple of nice saves in the 64th and 74th minutes off a Baldwin-Woodville corner kick and free kick as the Panthers (15-3-1) won their fourth straight game and earned a sectional final against Waupaca on Saturday. That game kicks off at 1 p.m. in Medford, and whichever team wins will qualify for state for the first time.
The Blackhawks also threatened with the ball in front of the net in the 56th minute, but junior Maya Hoff booted that ball away and out of harm’s way.
“It’s crazy and hard to believe,” Kelly said of qualifying for a sectional final. “But at the same time, we worked super hard to get where we’re at, so I’m really proud of us for that.”
West Salem, which has outscored its postseason opponents 20-1, scored its first goal on a header by Niemeier on a cross from Kelly.
The two scores were plenty of offense for Faucett, who has been solid for the Panthers all season.
“Anytime the ball if going toward the next, I’m still relaxed,” Karyea said. “She has been absolutely amazing.
“Our defense has been good, too, but we know of they get past our defense, Baylee is gonna help us out.”
