Georgia Bulletin

The Newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta

Photo By Michael Alexander
St. Pius X senior midfielder Carly Lafferty (#2) scores the third of four first half goals on a header. St. Pius went on to defeat West Forsyth High School 9-0 in the second round of the state soccer playoffs. Lafferty has 14 goals and 6 assists this season.

Atlanta

St. Pius X Girls Reach State Soccer Semifinals

By MICHAEL ALEXANDER, Staff Photographer | Published May 7, 2009

The Lady Golden Lions soccer team of St. Pius X High School defeated West Forsyth High School, Cumming, in an April 28 match and Woodward Academy on May 1 to reach the state semifinals.

With superior speed and foot skill, seven different St. Pius players scored to complete a 9-0 shutout of West Forsyth in the second round match.

This year’s quarterfinal match against Woodward Academy was similar to last year’s semifinal match between the two teams. Once again the game was decided by one point, except this year St. Pius won in regulation and not in a tiebreaker.

Woodward Academy players display their anguish as St. Pius’ Christine Christy (#10, facing camera) embraces Jocelyn Baker after Baker scores what turned out to be the winning goal in the 1-0 defeat of Woodward Academy during state soccer quarterfinals, May 1. Christy provided the assist on the play. Photo By Michael Alexander

St. Pius and Woodward left it all on the field as the two teams tested one another in a highly intense match, which was both mentally and physically draining. During the first half of the match St. Pius attempted a variety of shots, ranging from 15 to 25 yards out from the goal. They also had two corner kicks and two penalty kicks. In some cases the shots veered high or wide, but in at least five cases it was the play of Woodward goalkeeper Connie Organ who provided some sensational saves. The teams went to halftime scoreless.

During the intermission St. Pius head coach Sara Geiger implored her players to move to the open space and have confidence in their decisions and passes. Her words paid off with 9:51 left in the second half when senior forward Christine Christy passed to her classmate and midfielder, Jocelyn Baker, who kicked it past the hands of Woodward’s Organ for the only goal and a 1-0 victory.

If they win the semifinal match against Creekview High School, Canton, the St. Pius team will host the state championship match Friday, May 8, against the winner of the Spaulding High School, Griffin, and North Hall High School, Gainesville, match.