The Morgan County girls soccer team made history on Monday, May 5, with their 2-1 win over Columbus.
The win advanced them to their first playoff semifinal appearance in the program’s history.
Morgan County head coach Anne Stamps was proud of her girls’ fight against a solid Lady Blue Devil squad.
“For the first time in school history, our team has qualified for the Final Four,” Stamps said after the big win. “I am so proud of our girls for accomplishing this goal. We knocked off a very talented Columbus team.”
Entering the game, the Lady Blue Devils had allowed only two goals all year. However, the Lady Dogs equaled that total as Jaden Young and Brayden Burke scored in the first half, giving them a 2-0 lead at the break.
Morgan County controlled the pace on the pitch, with its back line keeping Columbus’ strikers in check. When a Lady Blue Devil took a shot on goal, the Lady Dogs got several solid saves from sophomore Ava Gaddy.
Columbus scored in the second half, but Gaddy, who totaled seven saves, helped Morgan County secure the 2-1 win.
The Lady Dogs defeated Murray County 4-0 on Thursday, May 1, to advance to the quarterfinals. They dominated the game from start to finish, getting goals from several different players in their Elite Eight win.
Morgan County has struggled with injuries all season, but Stamps believes her team is finally at full strength.
“It has been tough, but having the chance to allow more playing time for other players will only make us stronger in the long run,” Stamps said. “Our team is as deep in strength as it has ever been. Finally, this week, we have gotten back all but one of our starters. It was great to go into the match yesterday, feeling healthy.”
The Lady Dogs (14-5), the No. 7 seed in the Class AA state playoffs, will next face No. 3 seed Savannah Arts Academy (18-2) on the road. The Lady Panthers enter the match riding a five-game winning streak.
“We will face another giant as we travel to Savannah Arts Academy,” Stamps said. “We look forward to the challenge.”