EAST LANSING, MI — After nearly two decades of waiting, Grand Rapids Catholic Central girls soccer finally got the moment they had dreamed about for 19 years.

On Friday at Michigan State’s DeMartin Soccer Complex, CC head coach Genevieve Sandner and the Cougars celebrated their first MHSAA Finals championship, defeating Warren Regina 2-0 to capture the Division 3 crown. It was a historic win for a program that has had incredible success as a program but had never been able to bring home the ultimate prize — until now.

“It’s been a dream of mine for 19 years, and this team has really grown,” Sandner said. “They’re a family, on and off the field, and I think that’s what makes a really solid team. The journey has really been incredible. I can’t say enough. They knew what they wanted from the beginning of the season, to get to this moment.”

The victory was a fitting culmination for a Grand Rapids Catholic Central (13-8-2) team built on balance and defensive discipline. Yet, in a twist, both of Friday’s goals came in ways that weren’t typical for this year’s squad: restarts.

Midway through the first half, GRCC earned a corner kick, and senior Sophia Piccione delivered a dangerous ball into the box. Senior Maurine Schneider’s header was initially stopped by Regina goalkeeper Lily Hansen, but the Saddlelites failed to clear the rebound. Junior Grace McKinney pounced, slotting home her ninth goal of the season for a 1-0 lead at the 21:26 mark.

“It was a great corner kick from Sophia, and then we had a header that the goalie bobbled and I was just in the right spot at the right time,” McKinney said. “It was meant to be.”

Ten minutes into the second half, Piccione was again involved, sending in a free kick from the right side. Hansen was able to get a hand on the ball, but Schneider was waiting and blasted it home for her team-leading 12th goal of the year, giving the Cougars a 2-0 cushion.

“I saw the opportunity coming from the corner, and I knew I had to put it in,” Schneider said. “We were up 1-0, but that’s not enough, and I knew I was going to have a good look. I just slammed the ball as hard as I could.”

Warren Regina (7-6-6) attempted to mount a comeback, forcing four corner kicks in quick succession after falling behind 2-0. However, the Cougars’ defense held firm. Junior defenders Georgie Brown, Halina Polak, and Alyssa Yost, along with sophomore Allison Malinowski, were once again excellent in front of goalkeepers Charlie Walker and Natalie Beachler, combining for Catholic Central’s fourth consecutive shutout.

“Our back line has been very consistent for us all year, especially the latter part of the season. They just really work well together and back each other up so well,” Sandner said. “They’re all coming back, which is great. You want a strong back line coming back.”

The Saddlelites, who had just two seniors on their roster, found chances hard to come by in the final third despite a determined effort. Senior Jenna Moeller led Regina with four shots, while juniors Maddy Steffani and Ava Janusch each contributed three.

“The girls played well; we conceded a few goals on a corner and a set play. It’s tough. We didn’t quite finish in the attacking third,” Regina coach Stefano Moraccini said. “Nobody had us here in the Final. I am super proud of them.”

For Sandner and Catholic Central, the victory wasn’t just about winning a trophy — it was about the journey, the growth, and finally reaching the summit after nearly two decades of building.

Final Score:

Grand Rapids Catholic Central 2, Warren Regina 0

Scoring Summary:

21:26, 1st Half — GRCC: Grace McKinney (Assist: Maurine Schneider, Sophia Piccione) 50:00, 2nd Half — GRCC: Maurine Schneider (off free kick by Sophia Piccione)

Goalkeepers:

GRCC: Natalie Beachler, Charlie Walker (combined shutout) WR: Lily Hansen

Notables:

GRCC outshot WR in key moments. Warren Regina registered multiple corners but couldn’t convert. GRCC’s defense extended its shutout streak to four matches.

Record:

GRCC finishes 13-8-2 Warren Regina finishes 7-6-6