BY NIKKI BROSIUS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
The Marbury Bulldogs Girls Varsity soccer team is headed to the Final Four for the 5A State Championship.
The Marbury Girls Varsity soccer team (22-2) is headed to the Final Four 5A semi-finals game this Friday, May 12th in Huntsville. In the playoffs, Marbury beat Elmore County High School Monday night, 3-1, sending the Bulldogs for a “Game 3” against Sylacauga.
In their first meeting, Marbury beat Sylacauga at home 1-0 with an overtime goal from Meya James. In the rematch, Sylacauga beat Marbury at home 1-0 with a late goal coming in a little over a minute before the end of the match. On Friday, the Bulldogs had a rematch with the Aggies, the winner advancing to the semi-finals.
After taking a 2-0 lead at halftime with goals from Hailey Kopp and Kynadi Fairchild, the Bulldogs shutout the Sylacauga Aggies 3-0 with the final goal coming from Litzy Turcios, sending Marbury to the final four on Friday, May 12th in Huntsville. The girls played lights-out defense and Keeper Mackenzie Smith recorded another shutout to add to her record total.
Marbury will play Gulf Shores on Friday night, May 12th in Huntsville. The winner will advance to the 5A championship game, which will also be held in Huntsville, on Saturday May 13th. This season has been the best soccer season in Marbury school history.
Marbury was ranked #1 In the State by the AHSAA (Alabama High School Athletic Association) for the first time in school history. After the 1-0 loss to Sylacauga, Marbury dropped to #3 in the State, behind East Limestone and Springville. East Limestone and Springville will face off Friday in Huntsville, with the winner playing against the winner of the Marbury/Gulf Shores game.
Congratulations and good luck to the Bulldogs in the semi-final round!
