SHELBY — Avon’s magic carpet ride has come to an end.

The Eagles gave up the game’s only goal late in the first half as they lost to Bishop Watterson, 1-0, in a Division II state semifinal on November 5.

Emma Miller scored for Bishop Watterson with an assist from Sasha Smith in the 38th minute. The Eagles advance to the state championship game at 4 p.m. Nov. 9 against North Royalton at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus.

Avon closes the season with a 13-5-3 record.

“This group has the biggest hearts,” Avon coach Attila Csiszar said. “It’s not about them or one person, it’s about the team. That’s what makes it so special. These girls are sad for each other. They’re not sad because they didn’t score a goal, they’re sad because it’s their last game together.

Avon had to regroup after a difficult end to the first half. Despite being shut out, the Eagles adapted well and generated a few quality chances in the second half. Their five shots on goal came in the final 40 minutes. After fine-tuning his training and strategy, the game became interesting late on.

“We changed our formation because we realized we weren’t winning in the middle,” Avon senior Skylar Kruszka said. “Once we did that, we had more people at the top. We were moving the ball more trying to keep it on the ground and not just kick it. The movement of the ball really helped us create more opportunities.

Gianna Scott broke through Bishop Watterson’s defense several times to get a good look, but goalkeeper Suzie Roginski was up to the task. The victorious Eagles held on in the final minutes to punch their ticket to the state title game.

Avon made history this season with its first-ever regional championship after crowning its third district title in five years. This group of seniors has left its mark.

“It means everything to me to get this far,” Scott said. “This team is so special and will forever hold a special place in my heart. We all worked so hard and I am so proud of all of us. It hurts that we didn’t make it, but I couldn’t have asked for a better season and better teammates to spend my senior season with.