SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Girls Varsity Soccer 2009 SC State Championships - Live from Memorial Stadium

Referee Kevin McLear is on his game. An apparent handball by Riverside just outside the area is not whistled so that avantage could be played. Nothing developed quickly and the call was then made. The free kick by Maggie Bosley went straight into the wall, though, and was cleared by the Warriors. We have played 56 minutes at the Memorial Grounds in the AAA Girls' State Championship.

Still a great match, but it is mostly on the Riverside half of the pitch at the hour mark. A sweetly lofted pass in the area from Hannah Allison to Natalie Lackey led to a great opportunity for the Warriors, but Lackey's shot went just a few inches over the crossbar. After an hour, Riverside still lead 1:0.

Don't count out the Thoroughbreds yet ... just under ten minutes to play and a ball finds its way to the feet of South Aiken's Melissa Harris who fired on goal from 25 yards. Her shot was saved by Blair Worthington despite looking directly into the sun. Still 1:0 Riverside in a fine matchup between the top two ranked teams in AAA.

GOAL! Riverside 2:0 South Aiken on 76'

FT: Riverside 2:0 South Aiken

Very busy ... box score to follow. A great match and battled to the end by both squads in a manner that represented their respective schools very well indeed.

Final Statistics from the Girls AAA State Championship Match

(Note: Home team, this year's Upper State Champions, listed first)

Riverside 2:0 South Aiken

Weather: Mostly Sunny, 85°
Goals: R - Natalie Lackey (48'), Hannah Allison (76')
Shots: R 11, SA 6
Saves: R (Blair Worthington) 1, SA (R.B.Wyatt) 4
Corners: R - 5, SA - 0
Fouls: R - 15, SA - 12
Cautions: R - Allison (32')
Officials: Kevin McLear, R; Ralf Anderson, Scott Mehle, AR; Mark Rennix, Alan Correa, Subs; Barry Kemp, Clock;

Records: R, 20-3-1; SA, 21-4-0

A real flurry of action to start the AAAA Girls' State Championship! In the first two minutes, Wando garnered three corner kicks. On the first, though, a brilliant serve is followed up by a header destined for the top half of the goal mouth. However Mauldin's goalkeeper Morgan Hert is up to the task and leaps upwards to punch it over the crossbar and deny a beautiful goal. In the eighth minute it is Mauldin 0:0 Wando.

Second half action is now underway at the Memorial Grounds ... the first half was full of it -- that's for sure! Two cautions to Mauldin's Kristie Hirt (32') and Sarah Shaidle (34') ... one on what looked to be a foul at the top of the area on the last field player on a potential goal scoring opportunity. The red card remained in the official's pocket, though. Three shots to two in favor of Wando, and the Mavericks have been whistled for 11 fouls to 4 for the Warriors.

GOALS! Mauldin 1:1 Wando

To quote the incomparable Jack Buck, "Unbelievable! I don't believe what I just saw! I don't believe what I just saw!" Penalty given on 45' to Wando, which was firmly placed to the left of Mauldin goalkeeper Morgan Hert by Madeline Fellabom! While I was announcing the goal (within 12 seconds after the restart), a Mauldin through ball found its way into the area and was beautifully fired into the Warriors' netting by Lauren Young to equalize. A great match and two outstanding teams battling in a thriller here at Memorial.