The Harrison girls soccer team did what it has done all season, but the result Friday night was something brand new.
The Hoyas recorded their 19th shutout of the season, a 1-0 victory at home against North Gwinnett in the Class AAAAA championship game, to capture their first girls soccer state title. Top-ranked Harrison (21-0-2) allowed only five goals all season and outscored its opponents 20-0 in five playoff games.
North Gwinnett (19-4) fell one victory short in its bid to repeat as champion. The Bulldogs defeated Northview for the title last season.
Haley Pollock scored the game’s only goal with 33:50 to play in the first half. Lindsey Jackson got the ball off a corner kick and fired a shot that hit the left goalpost. The rebound came in front of the net to Pollock, who kicked it past North Gwinnett goalkeeper Michelle DeMaris for the game-winner.
“It definitely helps to get that one goal ahead,” Pollock said. “It’s always nice to have two, but our defense is really strong back there.”
Jessica Sperry threatened to put the game away with several scoring opportunities in the second half. Her best chance came on a breakaway with 31:04 to play in the game, but her shot slid just wide to the left.
After two more shots went wide to the right and just high over the crossbar, Sperry got loose again down the right side. But DeMaris came out and knocked the ball away before Sperry could get off a shot. Two more shots in the final 10 minutes of the game just missed.
“Sperry put on a highlight show,” Harrison coach Steve Riccard said. “I wish she would’ve scored a goal because if we had gotten a second one, there would have been a lot less tension. As it was, she put on an unbelievable show from everywhere.”
Harrison’s defense made sure that the one goal was enough despite a couple of close calls off free kicks in the final minutes of the game. North Gwinnett did not have a lot of great shots but kept up the pressure all night, probably the most Harrison faced during its playoff run.
But just like Luella, Colquitt County, Collins Hill and Walton before them, the Bulldogs never were able to break through.
About the Author
