The "Sisterhood of Pace" came through in the clutch today. Pace Academy, which has five pairs of sisters on the squad, won its first girls soccer state title since 1997 after a 3-2 victory over previously-undefeated First Presbyterian today at Emory. The Knights trailed 1-0 in the first half and 2-1 in the second before tying the game and sending it into overtime.
"Our team is a sisterhood of a small private school, doing what you can do and doing it for your friends, sisters and family," said Pace coach Liz Tutt. "The family feel is what made them dig deep. it was the sisterhood."
After each overtime period ended scoreless, the Knights and Vikings (19-1) went to a penalty-kick shootout.
The Knights (14-5) converted their first two attempts when sophomore forward Cater Carlton and freshman midfielder Jessica Haidet each found the back of the net while freshman goalie Avery Queller stopped a Vikings attempt. Arden Carlton made the fourth penalty attempt for Pace, but the teams were tied at 3 heading into sophomore forward Cadie Schiffer's shot in the fifth round. Schiffer converted and Pace won the state title.
After the game, several of the victorious Knights had to hustle back to Buckhead for their graduation ceremony.
"This is the perfect group of girls to experience this big win," said Tutt. "It's been a great day for them."
Emma Lako got the scoring started in the first half of regulation for First Presbyterian in the 27th minute. Pace came back with a goal by Cater Carlton with seven minutes left in the half.
First Presbyterian then scored on a penalty kick in the second half with 25:10 remaining after Amy Morgan was fouled in the penalty box. Katey Griggs converted the shot for the Vikings.
But Pace would draw even on a header by Kandace Thomas with 12:30 left in regulation. The 2-2 score held and the teams went to overtime for the state championship.
It is the first girls state soccer title for Pace since 1997 and third overall. First Presbyterian had won two of the past three state titles.
About the Author
