When the full-time whistle came Oct. 26 for Chagrin Falls’ 8-2 District IV final rout of Fairview in Berkshire, it was certainly a breakthrough.

The Tigers had not appeared in a regional competition until this fall since 2021 – a campaign that yielded the program’s ultimate breakthrough in the form of their second state championship and first since 1996.

The latest link to this 2021 race now helps form the core of a D-IV sweet-16 team. And before they leave, they hope to impart some wisdom about what it takes to reach that lofty peak.

Chagrin Falls girls soccer vs. Fairview: Second 40 intensifies in a hurry in Tigers’ District 8-2 D-IV final rout

One of the many benefits of going into this 18-3-2 D-II state championship charge in 2021 was that the freshmen on this team were in the mix. But not just as spectators.

Seniors Bella Radomsky, Brix Niethammer and Maggie Goss totaled seven goals and six assists as ninth graders on this team, and goaltender Izzy Pribanic has been learning behind one of Peyton Gellin’s best this year -there.

The core consisted of seasoned performers leading the way, including Gellin in goal, Kate Bartlett as defender, Sarah Burgess in midfield and Elana McGinnis as striker.

But the understanding of how to win on the biggest stages was inherited by a group that paid attention to it and is now trying to follow it up.

“Like today, it’s tough,” Niethammer said. “Games are tough. You have to have the mentality that it’s not always going to be easy. We’ve been through tough games. We’ve been through them. Just check your shoulders from the head up, as far as we’re going “

Coach Joe Ciuni appreciates the desire of his seniors, who experienced that gold run three years ago, to be able and willing to teach.

“I think it’s about how to handle pressure in those big moments,” Ciuni said. “They were able to experience it as freshmen. They had great leaders around them during this run that we had in 2021. Now they’re kind of imparting that same wisdom .Kind of stay calm, even when moments get big, and it’s a long game. Eighty minutes and one play is not going to make or break the result, and keep trying to make the most of it.

Radomsky leads the team with 16 goals and 10 assists, followed by Niethammer (12-5) and sophomore Mia Buno (5-14).

At one point this fall, Chagrin was 1-3-4. But it wouldn’t matter if anyone chose to examine the caliber of camps the Tigers faced. The three losses in August were suffered by Mentor, Avon and Twinsburg – and that was before they could brave adventures across town to Rocky River and Bay.

However it materialized, the calm that Niethammer and Ciuni alluded to became evident.

That resulted in another regional trip, hoping to add another deep playoff chapter — not to mention perhaps a long-term lesson for others along the way.

“I’m excited,” Niethammer said. “I’m happy to be back. I want to state that we’re not here to play. We’re here to win. And we’re going to do that.”

Originally published: October 28, 2024 at 4:48 p.m. EDT