Fresh from watching the Starr’s Mill boys upset victory over top ranked McIntosh last night, the Starr’s Mill Lady Panthers told head coach Deanise Myers they wanted to bring home a title too.
Mission accomplished.
Whitewater struck first with a goal from Jenni Loveless 10 minutes into the game, but Starr’s Mill settled down and prevented the Lady Wildcats from doing any further damage. With just over five minutes remaining in the half, Mandy McCalla slid a goal past Christa Strickland to tie the game.
In the second half, McCalla struck again, this time from a penalty kick. Whitewater had a lot of chances later in the second half, including one opportunity with just three minutes left that skimmed right over the top of the goalpost.
“We’ve believed in ourselves since day one,” said Myers after the game. “They have lots of heart.” Myers heaped praise on her nine seniors, announcing that
McCalla was recently named Georgia High School Player of the Year. “She was unbelievable and kept everybody composed, but this team was 20 girls all pushing hard.”
Myers, who is good friends with Whitewater head coach Heather Allen, stated that the victory was a little bittersweet. Allen in comments after the game joked that they may not talk for a few days.
This win marked the fifth state title for the Lady Panthers soccer program and first in Class AAAA. They have previously won titles in Class AAA and Class AAAAA.
