fall in regional semifinal
The Leland girls soccer team (13-2-1) season has come to a close after a 4-0 defeat against Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central Panthers (14-3-1) Tuesday in a regional semifinal game.
On Thursday, A strong first half by the Comets made all the difference as they defeated Harbor Springs (15-3) 2-1, claiming their first district championship since 2015.
“That was some of our best soccer, that first 40 minutes. They were pumped coming into it, and we talked about the last 12-15 minutes of that half building momentum … it was a battle to the end,” Leland coach Joe Burda said.
The first 25 minutes were a stalemate, with both goalies denying the few opportunities.
Leland junior Hadley Bison got the Comets on the board first, after a rebound took a couple of bounces, and trickled into the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead.
“I was just so incredibly happy, just the way we were all connecting, and I felt like our team chemistry grew as we got that. I knew from there that we could do this. We really put our heads down, and we did it, and I’m just so proud of all my teammates,” Bison said. “We’ve been working so hard all season to see it pay off like this.”
With only a few minutes remaining in the first half, Leland junior Willa Murray found her right toe perfectly placed for a rocket to score in the top left corner and take a 2-0 lead.
Murray was all over the field with her decisive burst of speed, breaking up Ram’s attacks all game long.
“It means a lot to us. We’ve been through a lot this week … This is a very special moment for our team,” Murray said.
Harbor Springs dominated the pitch for most of the second half and cut the game to within one after scoring on a penalty kick off a Leland handball.
Leland Senior goalkeeper Elli Miller made multiple acrobatic saves to hold onto the win down the stretch.
Harbor Springs goalkeeper Lillian McShannock also had an excellent night, denying multiple shots in the second half to keep the Rams in the game.
“We continuously improved on what we needed this season with passing and teamwork. The girls were really connected. They played for the seniors, and they really cared about representing the program,” Harbor Springs coach Aaron Riley said.
Comets fall in regional semifinals
Following a Tuesday match, the season for the Leland girls soccer team (13-2-1) came to an end with a 4-0 loss to Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central Panthers (14-3-1) in the regional semifinals.
“We didn’t come out like we wanted to, and credit to Saginaw Nouvel for that; they jumped on us in the first 30 seconds,” Leland coach Joe Burda said. “I’m so proud of how they fought through the second half; it just wasn’t in the cards tonight.”
The Panthers jumped out to a quick 3-0 start and provided a stout defense to hold on for the shutout against the Comets. Leland had a couple of pushes at the end of the half that resulted in saves by Saginaw Nouvel goalie senior Julia Hamilton. Saginaw Nouvel will play Shelby or Midland Calvary Baptist. at 5 p.m. in Clare.
“We won the 50/50 balls tonight .. We haven’t played in conditions like this yet (hot and humid); they gave it their all,” Saginaw Nouvel coach Matt Solek said. “They are fun to watch. It’s enjoyable coaching them.”
The Comets would show life in the second half but couldn’t capitalize on the few scoring opportunities. A Leland shot by sophomore Maya Warner was close and was quickly responded by a Panther fast break that resulted in a Saginaw Nouvel shot sophomore Clare Long who Leland senior goalie Elli blocked Miller’s fingertips to stop the scoring opportunity. Elli Miller stood tall in the second half with five saves.
“I’ll remember the (seniors) and how they came together throughout the whole season,” Joe Burda said. “(For the underclassmen) We have to put the work in during the offseason. We can’t do it from March to June … You got to give it all the full 80 minutes.”
Leland will graduate seniors Emerie Burda, Kally Sluiter, Leni Witt, and Elli Miller.
“This is the best team that we have had in four years. Every connection on this team has been the best, and that’s going to continue (past us) … We are all so connected, and I think it really helped us to have a great season,” Leland senior Emerie Burda said. “(Future Leland teams) are going to go far in the future. We have been building for years at this point, and I’m really proud of where we are and what we’ve become.”
Leland will be returning the bulk of their team for the 2026 season as 18 Comets return with experience this season.
The Comets defeated Suttons Bay 5-1 in the district semifinal before defeating Harbor Springs in the district final 2-1 to capture the first title in a decade.
