Ava Lamers holds the regional title plaque high and celebrates with teammates. Bob Mainhardt photo

For the Star Journal

The Hodag girls soccer team earned a spot in the regional final game Saturday night after defeating Medford 1-0 on Thursday night. Thursday’s game was delayed for about a half hour with the lightning and thunder that moved through the area. Senior Ava Lamers scored the only goal of the game in the 43rd minute and defeated Medford for the third time in the season.

Saturday the Hodags played Lakeland in Minocqua for the regional title and a chance to play in the sectional semi final game in Ashland Thursday. Lakeland won the previous two meetings by identical 1-0 scores.

The game went back and forth during the first half with both teams getting quality shots off but neither team was getting the ball by the keepers. Late in the second half, in the 65th minute Ava Lamers was able to get a break away and sent the ball into the net past Lakeland keeper Ava Evenhouse for a 1-0 lead. The goal would give the Hodags the lead and eventual win to give the Hodags the regional title and a date with Ashland in Ashland Thursday, two wins away from the state tournament.