Teams and fans from 10 different schools celebrated GHSA soccer championships over the weekend, and for some it was old hat while for others it was a completely new experience. First Presbyterian Day captured its second straight GHSA girls Class A title in a very physical title game against Fellowship Christian. Center-defender Kim-Caitlin Alderman moved up and sent a laser from 35 yards out past Abigail Freemeyer for the game’s only goal.
“I was not expecting that,” said Alderman after the game of scoring the game’s only goal. “I got into the scoring book, which is exciting.”
Alderman, a senior playing in her final game at First Presbyterian Day, will attend Valdosta State next year on a soccer scholarship.
Viking goalkeeper Claire Crawford made 10 saves to preserve the shutout victory and help FPD to its second straight GHSA crown. “I give my team in front of me all of the credit,” said Crawford.
Head coach Josh Trieste’s program is now 40-0 against GHSA competition in just its second year in the GHSA.
The Greater Atlanta Christian girls meanwhile celebrated the program’s first state title after beating Blessed Trinity 1-0. Freshman Danielle Marcano sent a header in the game’s opening minutes past the Titans goalkeeper, and Elizabeth White would make the goal stand up with 10 saves.
Troy Bendickson said the win was special for GAC after the Spartans lost to Blessed Trinity 1-0 in last year’s championship game. “It would have been fun to have hosted the championship game if (Blessed Trinity) had lost in the last round, but deep down we all wanted to play Blessed Trinity in the finals.”
The Spartans lose five seniors but return White and junior standout Rachel Garcia, who finished the year with 47 goals. Kayla Puzas, who assisted Marcano on the goal, also returns.
The Milton and Allatoona girls teams each claimed their program’s first titles while Lambert also won the first boys soccer title in the school’s history.
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