PHOTO BY JUSTPHOTOS.BIZ

The Medina Bees (17-1-2) defeated nemesis Strongsville 4-0 on Saturday to win the district title. The Bees advance to play Westlake on Wednesday.

MEDINA -- It was no contest.

The highly anticipated Medina/Strongsville girls soccer match to decide the Brunswick Division I District championship proved to be one-sided.

Fourth-ranked Medina (17-1-2) played a near perfect match and eliminated second-ranked Strongsville 4-0 on Saturday afternoon at Medina Memorial Stadium.

The Bees will play Westlake (15-1-3) in a regional semifinal Wednesday at 7 p.m.

"We have a great senior class and great kids, and we said all along that last year we felt like we peaked too soon," Medina coach Doug Coreno said. "This year we are peaking at exaclty the right time. We've been playing our best soccer over the last month."

Sophomore Beth Lang scored two goals, but it was the play of Medina's fearsome foursome which carried the day. Seniors Becca Candler and Sarah Flanders, along with juniors Jillian Graff and Taylor Burke, were too much for the Mustangs, who had beaten the Bees 1-0 earlier in the season.

Coreno also had high praise for his defense. "I can't say enough Nicolle Varney, Anna Boyert, Melissa Hill, and Jen Jankowski, I mean those four have really gelled and they really shut them down.  Strongsville had some shots, but I don't think they were really dangerous at any point in the game because our defenders did such a great job. And, of course, Taylor Burke behind them."

Medina led 2-0 at half on goals by Graff at 23:29 and Lang at 12:14 on a pretty feed from Candler, and that score remained for the first 10 minutes of the second half.

The Bees had thrown a net on Strongsville's dangerous striker Ashley Meier, however with just under 30 minutes to play, Meier had her best opportunity to score. A low line drive from just inside the box was snuffed out by Burke.

"It was 2-0 and Taylor Burke came up with a huge save and and then 30 seconds later it's 3-0," Coreno said. "If Taylor lets that ball go in, it could be a whole different story."

Candler from 28 yards out popped a shot over the head of Strongsville keeper Caylin Moore, and it was over except for the presentation of the trophy.

"We changed our mindset," admitted Flanders. "Instead of saying, 'Oh my gosh, it's Strongsville!,' this time we came out calm and collected. I think (the earlier loss to Stronsgville) did help. It made us hungry to win."

Graff, who has been nominated for National Player of the Year, finished with one goal and one assist. Candler had her usual brilliant game with one goal and one assist, as well.