An overcast sky loomed over the soccer field, but nothing could take the Lake Central girls’ soccer team’s sunshine away– they were Sectional champions for the 16th year in a row.

Hosted at Highland High School’s soccer field, Lake Central’s varsity girls soccer team crushed Munster at Sectionals with a score of 5-2.

“[It felt] absolutely amazing [winning Sectionals]. We were all really nervous since we lost to Munster in regular season but we all went out there focused and determined,” Brianna Dougherty (11) said.

Dougherty helped lead the team to victory by scoring three out of the five goals that the Lady Indians made during the game. Her last goal was scored during the last few minutes of the game.

“Once I got the hat trick I immediately looked at the time on the clock. All I could think was ‘Oh my God, we just won the Sectional Championship’,” Dougherty said.

The other two goals were scored by Kaileigh Kramer-Stephens (12).

“It felt good to help my team win Sectionals, especially it being my senior year. I wanted to make an impact during the game,” Kramer-Stephens said.

After the win, the girls stormed toward their fans with smiling faces and their new possession — the Sectional trophy.

“It was really cool to be able to run on to the field after we won and get the trophy and run up to all the fans. It was such a happy, energetic moment. We were all ecstatic,” Gabriella Born (12), captain of the team, said.

The girls have taken on one challenge, and are getting ready for another: Regionals.

“I believe that our confidence in each other and the way we have been playing is really starting to show that we are not afraid of what lies ahead. We are ready to take on just about anyone,” Dougherty said.

The girls will face Valparaiso for Regionals on Oct. 16 at Valparaiso.

“We are all a little nervous, but we beat Valpo during the season. If we did it once we can do it again,” Born said, “especially after beating Munster.”