STATE CHAMPS: Lady Pirates soccer makes school history

The Pike County High School Lady Pirates soccer team made school history with a 6-5 win over the Savannah Arts Academy Panthers as they claimed the first GHSA AA State Championship soccer title in school history on Friday, May 16 at Mercer University. In addition to the school’s first state championship in soccer, the team set a new record for goals scored at 164, blasting past the 127 scored in 2019 and their 20-2 record broke the old record of 18-2 in 2016.

The varsity girls soccer team is coached by Justin O’Steen, Layla Eubanks, Chris Johnson and Melissa Whitley. The team includes Anna Bottoms, Kenzy Coburn, Sydney Cochran, Izzy Cuviello, Laycee Eubanks, Jaycee Fillingim, Ana Harris, Jessie Jeffcoat, Piper Jones, Hannah McCart, Sophie Moss, Olivia Park, Presli Readdy, Elle Smith, Madeline Smith, Millie Stephens, Abigail Strange and Morgan Wakeman.

“Winning the state championship is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and teamwork. For the team, it’s a testament to our resilience and commitment to each other,” said head coach Justin O’Steen. “This victory not only honors our efforts but also solidifies our place in school history. This championship reflects our team’s resilience, unity and unwavering belief in each other. Despite challenges, we remained focused on our goals and supported one another, embodying the true spirit of teamwork. Personally, this victory has been incredibly fulfilling. It reinforces the value of perseverance and the importance of working towards a common goal. Witnessing the growth and success of this team has been a source of immense pride. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our fans, families and sponsors. Their encouragement fueled our determination and made this achievement even more special. This victory is as much theirs as it is ours.”

Anna Bottoms answered with her second goal of the night, putting Pike ahead 3-2. Then, Olivia Park extended the lead to 4-2 off a penalty kick outside the box just before halftime.

Savannah came out strong in the second half, scoring quickly to close the gap to 4-3. Park responded again with another goal to push the lead to 5-3. But the Panthers fought back with a goal off a corner kick and a header to tie the game at 5-5.

With just four minutes remaining, Pike earned a corner kick. Though it didn’t produce a goal, the Pirates maintained pressure, and a final breakthrough goal by Olivia Park off an assist by Sydney Cochran gave them the 6-5 lead.

Four players scored 20+ goals for the season, including Anna Bottoms with 25 goals, Jacey Fillingim with 23 goals, Olivia Park with 21 goals and Sophie Moss with 20 goals.

Anna Bottoms was voted Region 2AA Player of the Year and Olivia Park was named the MVP of the State Championship game.