WICHITA – You break it, you own it. 

Taking a page from Caitlin Clark’s book, that was the message Bishop Miege coach Nate Huppe gave his team before the season as the Stags chased a state-record eighth consecutive state championship. 

Finding itself one step away from that ultimate goal, Miege added another chapter to its dynasty.

The Stags used a Dory Latenser golden goal in the second overtime for a 1-0 win in the Class 4-1A state championship game at Stryker Sports Complex, outlasting a valiant effort from Cair Paravel. 

“I’m so proud of our team, so happy for our seniors,” Huppe said. “Now we own a state record, and that’s pretty cool.”

Miege dominated possession and scoring opportunities. The Stags created 16 corner kick opportunities and were credited with 10 shots on goal. 

The Stags continued to apply pressure late in regulation and in the first overtime before finally cashing in a corner. 

Freshman Isabella McGaugh delivered a perfectly-placed corner near the penalty-kick mark, and Latenser headed it through traffic and into the net in the 92nd minute, with 7:39 left in the second OT. 

Latenser’s goal tied her for Miege’s single-season record at 23. 

“(McGaugh) hit it really great and it went right to the PK, and that’s where I was running in every time,” Latenser said. “I just dove and hit it down and it just happened to go through a big cluster of people.

“Just having all your teammates rush on you and falling in a dog pile, it’s just an awesome feeling. Great way to end my high school career, and for all of the (seniors).”
 

Olivia McGaugh, Isabella’s twin sister, normally takes Miege’s corner kicks but Huppe opted to have Issabella take what proved to be the decisive one, noting Olivia McGaugh was battling tired legs at the point. 

“Sometimes, I get a little nervous to take them, especially (late in the game),” Isabella McGaugh said. “I was like, 'I just have to hit it hard enough and around the PK spot.’ ”

“Sixteen corner kicks, it shows how well we attacked. Got it to Dory and Dory did what Dory does, game winners,” Huppe said. 

Cair Paravel goalkeeper Roni Ignoto and the Lions’ back line worked tirelessly to keep it scoreless, but offensive opportunities were scarce for Cair Paravel. 

“Really proud of my girls. That was an amazing show of courage against a tough team, perennial state champs,” Cair Paravel coach Doug Woolery said. “We just couldn’t get our offense generated. We were on our heels most of the game. 

“I knew my girls had it in them, but we just couldn’t seem to get the break that we had last time we played them (2-1 loss). We had a couple through balls to capitalize on and even had a couple missed opportunities in that game, and today those just didn’t show themselves. At the end of the day, they finally got one in the net and we didn’t.”
 

The Stags (14-7) did not allow a shot on a goal in the title game or semifinal and didn’t surrender a goal over the last six games of the season. 

“I’m so lucky to have the defense and the midfield and just the whole team that I do,” Miege senior goalkeeper Livi Shull said. “This whole state run, I’ve barely had to touch the ball, which is phenomenal and says everything about them, how talented they are and how well they play together and how well we all support each other on this team. You couldn’t ask for a better defense. They’ve been incredible all these years.”

“Our defense is just amazing,” Latenser said. “It’s a lot easier and you’re more relaxed up top when you have so much belief in your defense and your midfield.”

Huppe said the Stags utilized three different systems in their three state tournament games. 

“We told the team (before the final), who you’re playing is incredibly dangerous on the counter, and that’s why we just simply went with a sweeper today,” Huppe said. 

“Of the 11 other schools that made it to the final four, we played six of them. When you do that, it just gets your kids so ready, so well prepared.”

The appearance in the state championship game was a landmark moment for Cair Paravel athletics, marking the first time any Lion team made a state championship game in their four seasons as a member of the Kansas State High School Activities Association. 

“It’s special,” Woolery said. “Who would’ve thought the smallest girls’ soccer program in the state of Kansas would make it to the state tournament. They have nothing to be ashamed of. 

“As far as our school, I guess it gives us a little name recognition. We had a lot of people pulling for us today, hoping that we would knock the champions off the throne. Sadly we weren’t able to do it, but we’re happy to be here, happy to be a part of this experience.”
 

Cair Paravel (15-5-1) had six seniors – Katherine Keys, Emma Keller, Allison Schwarz, Katie Colombo, Trinity Childs and Corinne Stapleton. 

Miege’s latest championship surpasses the seven titles in a row St. Thomas Aquinas’ girls program won from 2010-16. The Stags’ five-player senior class is comprised of Shull, Latenser, Kate Pedrotti, Addie Etzenhouser and Rose Harden. 

“The streak is so important to us,” Shull said. “Obviously it’s our end goal every single year. The schedule we play prepares us for what we experience the last couple weeks. It’s the biggest goal of ours, keeping it alive. Breaking the record of most state championships in a row is an incredible feeling.”