Top-ranked Lady Bulldogs to face Houston in second consecutive state final
Photo courtesy of Tammy Kregel
Brinley Murphy works to win the ball back from Collierville in Wednesday’s 4-0 win in a state quarterfinal.
The Bearden girls soccer team has accomplished almost everything a high school team could hope to do in a single season – unbeaten, regular season district title, district tournament title, region tournament title, and the distinction of being ranked as the best team in the country.
But their biggest goal has yet to be accomplished.
The Lady Bulldogs (23-0) will play Houston (18-0-1) in the state championship game for the second year in a row at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Chattanooga Red Wolves stadium. They are hoping to repeat as state champions and complete their undefeated season.
Bearden beat the Lady Mustangs 3-1 in last year’s state final.
The Lady Bulldogs defeated Collierville 4-0 in their quarterfinal game Wednesday. Goals were scored by seniors Morgan Hellman and Katie Browning, junior Bre Mendoza, and sophomore Maci Ritzman.
They defeated Station Camp 7-0 in a semifinal Thursday night. Senior Brinley Murphy netted four goals, and senior Becca Roth, freshman Jayla Blue, and junior Bre Mendoza each had one.
Saturday’s game will be the last game that this historic senior class, which holds numerous school records, will play together. They are hoping to add one more thing to that incredible resume tomorrow afternoon.
Back-to-back state titles.