University-Liggett’s Inspiring Fight in the Soccer State Finals: A Heartfelt Journey – Detroit Catholic

EAST LANSING – Grosse Pointe Woods University-Liggett faced Kalamazoo Christian in the MHSAA Division 4 finals, losing 4-1. The Comets’ experience shone through, as they dominated early, scoring two quick goals.

Head Coach David Dwaihy recognized Kalamazoo’s skill but felt proud of his team’s effort: “We represented ourselves well. We played a style we can be proud of.”

In the championship match at Michigan State University, Kalamazoo took control, scoring two goals in rapid succession at both the start of the halves. University-Liggett captain Kerith Short said the quick goals were unexpected: “It gave us a little shock. We didn’t come out with full intensity.”

Dwaihy noted that falling behind helped his team find their rhythm: “It woke us up. We played more relaxed and created chances.” University-Liggett finally got on the board when Short scored from a corner kick. “I aim for the goal in tight situations,” she explained.

Despite their fight back, the Knights couldn’t equalize. In the last minutes, Kalamazoo added two more goals, showcasing their well-organized defense and scoring ability. Dwaihy praised them: “They were very clinical on their chances.”

The match highlighted a significant trend in high school sports. In recent years, teams from the Catholic High School League have not only competed fiercely but have consistently reached championship finals. Kalamazoo Christian’s victory marked their sixth title. They previously won in 2023, beating Clarkston Everest 5-0.

While it was a tough loss for University-Liggett, Short expressed gratitude: “It was awesome to play here. We had a great team and faced a strong opponent.” Dwaihy echoed this sentiment, seeing the positives in their performance, despite the scoreboard. “It’s a loss I’ll celebrate for a long time,” he said. “We played our best soccer of the year.”

This match underscores the passion and talent in high school soccer, showing just how far teams have come over the years. The dedication of these young athletes not only shapes their futures but also enriches local communities.