Messenger file photo by Chris McCarthy
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor
The Southside High girls soccer team advanced to the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs with a 2-1 win over John Carroll Catholic on Monday, April 29 in Birmingham.
“This game was extremely competitive and certainly a battle from start to finish,” said Southside head coach Tiffany Cargill. “Our players came in knowing that John Carroll would be very skilled and physical, so we tried our best to match and/or excel in every third of the field.
“Defensively, Kimberly Carter, Kelsey Jackson, Maddie Sprinkle (pictured above) and Madison Walker stayed consistent, playing well in the air and on the ground. From the middle third to offense, Brooklyn Dobbins, Mallory Tucker, Kinsey Carter, Makayla Walker, Elizabeth Moore and Madison Ashley played a skilled and intense game.”
Walker scored first for the Lady Panthers (20-6), while Sprinkle notched the second goal. Hannah Maddox had 14 saves.
“I thought that Hannah played a phenomenal game,” said Cargill. “She made several strong and dynamic saves.”
Southside will face Area 6 rival Springville in the second-round on Friday, May 3. The Lady Panthers fell to Springville, 0-1 and 1-3, during the regular season.
“In each game [against Springville], we’ve been able to identify areas of concern and attempt to implement improvements with respect to [Springville’s] strengths,” said Cargill. “Our goal on Friday is to maximize our abilities and capitalize on every opportunity we have.”
