Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin's varsity girls soccer team closed its regular season with a 3-0 road victory over Lake Catholic on Wednesday, Oct. 14, combining an early offensive breakthrough with a complete defensive performance in North Coast Conference action.

Ella Ko scored twice to bring her season total to 16 goals, while Emillee Gruss added a first-half goal. Junior goalkeeper Sadie Wurm and the NDCL defense secured the shutout as the Lions built momentum heading into the OHSAA postseason.

NDCL wasted little time establishing control.

Just 4 minutes, 40 seconds into the match, Ko found the back of the net for her 15th goal of the season, giving the Lions an early 1-0 advantage.

The Lions continued to create opportunities throughout the opening half. Gruss extended the lead shortly before halftime, sending NDCL into the break with a 2-0 advantage over the Cougars.

Ko added her second goal of the evening in the second half, bringing her season total to 16 and completing the scoring in the 3-0 victory.

Along with her two goals, Ko contributed an assist, finishing with three points in the match. Gruss and Hillary Theissen also recorded assists, reflecting a balanced offensive effort from the Lions.

Defensively, NDCL maintained its organization throughout the contest. Wurm and the Lions' back line prevented Lake Catholic from scoring, completing the shutout in an important conference matchup.

"It was great to see such a team effort in the win tonight," the NDCL coaching staff said.

The result provided a positive conclusion to the regular season and an opportunity for the Lions to carry momentum into tournament play.

NDCL opens the OHSAA postseason Thursday, Oct. 22, traveling to Louisville for a 7 p.m. contest.