The No. 9 Panthers popped defending champ Terre Haute South to advance to regional.
MARTINSVILLE — By happenstance and hard work, the Bloomington South girls soccer team had a chance at a do-over of sorts against Terre Haute South.
The revenge factor for last year's sectional final was there, for sure. Can't be helped when the two teams kicked off 365 days later in the same trophy game. It wasn't the sole motivation, maybe not as much as redemption.
"It definitely didn't escape our brains," junior captain Izzy Sweet said of the revenge factor. "It was embarrassing last year. Our standard was not met in that game. It was a letdown. As captains and seniors this year, that was not acceptable. We just wanted to keep working as hard as we could.
"When we came on the field, we knew we were going to win this game."
Revenge, redemption and release with a big yelp after snapping up the trophy rom Martinsville athletic director Kip Staggs following their 5-1 dismantling of the Braves on Saturday, Oct. 11, in the finals of the Class 3A Martinsville Sectional.
"I don't know if it was about revenge," South coach David Prall said. "It's a little different this year. Different team. I just didn't think this was the team that was going to go out to a team that we're three goals better than.
"We talked a little bit about it. We set a standard here. We set expectations and we didn't meet them last year. That started with me. I didn't prepare them well enough. The seniors just weren't going to lose this game."
Senior Helena Cutshall had to watch last year's sectional faulter from the sidelines and enjoyed every second making up for lost time this time around on her repaired knee.
"I think we're all super happy," Cutshall said. "Revenge, definitely, but just being together as a team again. Being able to be with the team and playing is really special."
GOOAAALLLL! Corner kick by Maddie Norman finds Izzy Sweet. 3-0 Bloomington South, 31' pic.twitter.com/n68Z4VPFwG
— Jim Gordillo (@JimGordillo) October 11, 2025
The juniors and seniors have stuck together through it all, from the run to the 2023 state title game to last year's sectional title game humbling.
"There's always ups and downs," Sweet said. "My teammates are my best friends. Playing with them through everything, they're always there. They're great people and we always work hard for each other.
"Off the pitch, we're best friends. It's so much more than a sport with this team. It's family. I always say that. It's the best feeling there is."
A big task waits this Thursday, Oct. 16, in the regional semifinal when the No. 9 Panthers (14-2-3) travel to No. 6 Center Grove (17-2), a 3-1 winner over Columbus North in the Greenwood Sectional final.
"After sophomore year, it was just an amazing year," Cutshall said. "I think we all, especially my class, grew from that. Then last year, was kind of a building year. This year, we're back and hungry for state again. I'm just really excited."
South jumps on THS early
Not sure who had the worst job on Terre Haute South's defense, the left or right back. Maddie Norman and Ellie Barada were relentless attacking both flanks and Val Bunde, Bridgett Malone and Helena Cutshall in particular kept the ball flowing in the midfield.
It didn't take long for Norman to capitalize, scoring just four minutes in. In the 23rd, just a couple of quick passes, to Cutshall then a well-placed lead pass to the left Norman and she was off to the races again, beating three defenders and the keeper for a 2-0 lead.
"I think it settled us," Prall said. "I thought we were a little nervy to start with."
Then Sweet, a defender, picked up a goal, using her height to put away a Norman corner kick in the 31st minute to build a 3-0 halftime lead. She was mugged by her teammates afterward.
"It was awesome," Sweet said. "So much fun. I always love a good header. It's so satisfying.
"It's always fun, once you have those goals having your teammates just come and hug you. It's the best feeling ever."
The Braves got goal early in the second half, but finished with just one other shot for keeper Paloma Marinez to deal with. Cutshall made it a three-goal game again seven minutes later and Claire Grumbling's cross found Norman for the hat trick with a minute left.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington South girls soccer wins another IHSAA sectional title
Category: General Sports
