Over the course of Bearden’s season, key players have led the charge for the Lady Soccer Dogs’ success.

One of these key leaders has seen her role rise to an even higher mark since the start of the postseason. Since the season-ending injury to senior forward and Marshall commit Ashley Seltzer, Casey Riemer’s output has become even more imperative, and the junior has more than delivered.

“The load has been kind of passed off to Casey,” BHS Coach Ryan Radcliffe said. “She is that type of player and has taken it and is running with it.”

Added Riemer: “I mean it’s hard being out there without [Seltzer]. My coach told me that I needed to step up, and I’ve had to take that on.”

Her recent surge has propelled the Lady Bulldogs to a sub-state game Saturday at Dobyns-Bennett. The winner moves on to the state tournament.

Riemer had one of her best performances against Karns in the region semifinals on Tuesday, tallying a hat-trick in a 7-1 victory. Hardin Valley defeated Bearden 2-0 Thursday night in the regional championship.

Riemer’s style has been attributed to her athleticism, speed, and determination on the ball. She especially takes advantage of bigger, less athletic defenders.

Her success this season has been marked as a goalscorer and also as a playmaker. With Seltzer’s injury, her coach wants her role to shift into a more “selfish” attitude.

“It takes a special person to have that wanna-score every time attitude,” Coach Radcliffe said. “[I want her to] never be satisfied.

“[I want her to] still be a playmaker, but also find her opportunity to take control of the game.”

Against previously undefeated Maryville in the district semifinals, Riemer created the first and scored the second in Bearden’s 2-0 win.

“She has scored many goals, and she has really stepped up and taken control,” sophomore forward Taylor Frizen said.

Even though her role has expanded a year early, the expectations for Riemer can only get higher.

“I told her that you can be the best player in the state, but you just have to believe it,” Coach Radcliffe said. “When you have that mentality, it separates the good from the great.”