MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison’s 2021 résumé may not sparkle like those of the other Sweet 16 qualifiers around the state, but don’t expect an apology from coach Zac Huff ahead of Tuesday’s regional semifinal match against Lima Shawnee at Marion Harding High School.

The Rams earned the right to defend their regional crown and, just maybe, the Division II state championship they won last fall.

Madison brings an 11-9 record into regional play and only recently climbed above .500 for the first time since late-September. The Rams have more losses than fellow Region 6 qualifiers Shawnee, Oak Harbor and Rocky River combined (six losses).

Yet a Madison side plagued by injury and adversity all season managed to win its fifth straight district title over the weekend, dispatching fellow Richland County heavyweight Ontario 3-2 in overtime. That the Rams find themselves two wins from their third consecutive Final Four appearance is a testament to the culture of the program fostered over the past several years.

“I think the mentality of been there, done that,” Huff said when asked about his team’s ability to circle the wagons during its current five-match winning streak — four of which have come in the postseason. “The older girls have been there for the last four years, since they’ve been a (Madison) soccer player. I think that kind of helps.”

Another piece of the championship puzzle, Huff said, is Madison’s ability to deal with the pressure that comes with inflated expectations.

“We just treated (the district final) as another game,” Huff said Saturday afternoon. “Yesterday we had a half-hour practice and the girls dressed up in costumes and had a great time. It wasn’t pressure, pressure, pressure.”

Madison trailed Ontario 1-0 late in the first half before Nevaeh Lewis scored off a Marisah Atterholt assist less than a minute before intermission. The Rams took the lead midway through the second half on another Lewis goal only to see Ontario score the equalizer less than two minutes later. It would remain 2-2 until Shannon Jamieson scored the game-winning golden goal midway through the first 15-minute overtime session on a penalty kick that twisted into the frame before the Ontario keeper could corral it.

“I was in shock, honestly,” Jamieson said.

The goal was the sixth of the season for Jamieson, a senior who played a supporting role during last year’s state championship run. She had two goals and three assists on a team dominated by seniors, most notably All-American Taylor Huff.

“I haven’t played that much in past years, but getting the experience of last year helped a lot,” Jamieson said. “It’s obviously different because we had a whole class of leaders (last year). Now it’s just a couple of leaders, but we’re figuring it out.”

Lima Shawnee brings a 17-1-1 record into Tuesday’s regional semifinal and is riding a 17-match unbeaten streak. Shawnee’s only loss came in its second match of the season in late-August.

“We’ve got nine losses and we’re going to the regional semifinals,” Huff said. “The girls are coming together at the right time. That’s what it’s all about.”