Hudsonville Unity Christian Claims Fourth Consecutive Girls Soccer Title Amid Controversy

EAST LANSING – Hudsonville Unity Christian secured its fourth straight MHSAA girls soccer state championship on Saturday, June 13, overpowering Bloomfield Hills Marian with a 2-0 victory in the Division 2 final at DeMartin Soccer Complex. The win, however, was marred by a contentious no-goal call that allowed the Crusaders to tie the MHSAA record for the fewest goals conceded in a season, which stands at just one.

The drama unfolded late in the first half when Marian's Nia Bordogna made a powerful attempt from roughly 35 yards out. Unity Christian's goalkeeper, Payton Barendsen, managed to deflect the shot, but the play sparked debate. Marian coach Danny Price asserted, “The girls said that the shot in first [half] that the goalkeeper saved and went off the bar [and] was in.” Barendsen staunchly defended her actions, stating, “I saw [the ball] coming high, so I knew I had to tip it or at least catch it.”

Price expressed his frustration, recalling a previous match that also featured a referee mistake. “Two years ago, the only goal of the game against Spring Lake was a foul on our left back; she got absolutely trucked,” he explained, emphasizing how critical goals can be in a match.

Despite the controversy, Unity Christian completed an impressive undefeated season with a record of 24-0, having allowed only one goal throughout the year during an earlier match against Grand Rapids South Christian. The Crusaders dominated the first half, leading in shots with nine to Marian’s six, and took control with two goals just before halftime—one from junior Myla Obande and another from senior Tessa Ponstein.

Coach Randy Heethuis, in his 37th season, attributed the team's success to their commitment and teamwork. “They’ve watched soccer coming through the ranks and they want to be a part of it,” he noted. Barendsen echoed this sentiment, stating, “It goes so much beyond winning… it’s that we work together and don’t stop working together.”

This victory adds to Unity Christian's storied history in girls soccer, as they have previously claimed multiple state titles, including six consecutive championships from 2005 to 2010.