Beavercreek wins first girls soccer state championship

Beavercreek outscored its opponents 140-6 this season. It ranks second in state history in goals scored in a season.

» EARLIER COVERAGE: Beavercreek beats Watterson in semifinals

The Beavers built a 4-0 halftime lead. Marcella Cash, who scored two goals in a 2-1 victory against Columbus Bishop Watterson in the semifinals, scored at the 13:16 mark. It was her 38th goal of the season.

Ella Bianco drilled a free kick into the top corner at the 26:40 mark. Bianco headed in a cornerkick from Kaileigh Nuessgen at the 30:43 mark. Then with 41 seconds left in the half, Diana Benigno scored off an assist by Cash.

The Beavercreek girls soccer team joins a growing list of state champions from the high school. The Beavercreek boys won the title in 2017. Other state champions include: boys bowling (2015); girls bowling (2007 and 2014); girls basketball (1995, 2001 and 2003); and girls cross country (1996).

Beavercreek coach Steve Popp, a Carroll High School and University of Dayton graduate, improved his all-time record to 397-118-56 in 39 seasons. He’s 292-62-41 in 20 seasons at Beavercreek. He started coaching the Beavers in 1999 after previously coaching at Bellbrook and Wayne.