PHOENIX CITY, Ala. – At one point, the Glenwood girls soccer team dominated AISA and won its sixth straight state championship. This season was a return to glory for the Lady Gators as they defeated rival Lee Scott Her Academy 1-0 to win the program's eighth state championship. The matchup between Glenwood and the Lady Warriors was a familiar one as they have played against each other many times this season.
“This is our third championship game against Lee vs. Scott. We beat them by one point. They beat us by one point. This game is about perseverance and grit. They were trying to take something away from us and they did a great job with that. But I was really happy for another guy to step up and beat us.” Glenwood Girls Soccer Head Coach John Robertson said.
Early in the second half, the Glenwood Ladies took a 1-0 lead. They maintained a narrow lead for over 30 minutes and were on cloud nine when the final whistle blew.
“It was probably one of the most exciting times of my life. It was nice to finally win. Especially since we lost to them earlier in the season, it was unbelievable,” said the junior forward and striker. Makenna Casner said.
“The year before last, we lost 1-0. So it was almost like payback. It felt really good. It felt so good. I can't even explain the feeling, to be honest,” said the junior center. said Buck Lily Hanseth.
There were some serious hurdles in his journey to the top of the AISA ranks this season. Two of Glenwood's goaltenders, including the starting pitcher, were injured, ending their season. Head coach Robertson was in awe of how certain players stepped up when called upon. He also praised the team's championship mentality.
“We had a third-string keeper named Lillian Moody who stepped up and played great. They weren't going to lose, they had that mentality from the beginning. Nobody told them. You can’t win,” Robertson said.
Congratulations to our newest Kia AutoSport Athletes of the Week and the eight-time state champion Glenwood girls soccer team.
