Eight goals by nation’s top-ranked BHS girls heading to state
KNOXVILLE — If Bearden High School’s girls soccer team plays in the Class AAA State Tournament this week as it did in the Sectional match against Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett, it’s easy to think it will take home a second consecutive state title.
Saturday night, Oct. 22, at BHS’s Turner-Allender Field, the Lady Bulldogs dominated the Lady Indians, 8-0, and punched their ticket to Chattanooga as one of the final eight AAA teams from across the state.
Bearden head coach Ryan Radcliffe had much to be pleased about from his team’s play, especially the confidence such a win can carry forward.
“Momentum is ultimately what you want,” Radcliffe said. “That’s what you want for next week. Proud of the way we’ve handled the season, seniors doing what they need to do. It’s a good road we’re on and just hoping we can do it three more times next week.”
After almost 12 minutes of scoreless play, Bearden broke out with three goals in fewer than four minutes.
Senior forward Brinley Murphy, the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year, scored with 28:03 left in the half, assisted by senior Becca Roth.
Less than a minute later, junior Breana Mendoza’s goal was assisted by senior Mary Beth Sheringham. Fewer than three minutes after that, freshman Jayla Blue’s header — assisted by junior Alivia Stott—- gave Bearden a 3-0 lead.
With 3:16 left in the half, senior Lauren Huber’s goal put Bearden ahead 4-0 at halftime.
The Lady Dogs dominated both time of possession and shots on goal. Until Radcliffe substituted widely in the second half, KD-B had trouble even getting the ball on their side of the field.
BHS had 31 shots, 15 on goal. For the visitors, it was four and three. Bearden improved to 21-0 for the season — 19 times they’ve shut out the opponent.
In the second half, Bearden got second goals from Murphy (on a header from a corner kick by Stott), Blue (assisted by Stott) and Mendoza (assisted by Tyler Roth). Senior Megan Hellman’s goal completed the scoring with 17:21 left in the match.
“I have a lot of faith in us, that we’re gonna go all the way,” Murphy said. “I thought we did what we were supposed to do and we showed everyone that we’re gonna win again.”
On Wednesday, Oct. 26, Bearden will play Collierville in a state quarterfinal match beginning at 5 p.m., EDT, 4 p.m. CDT. Should they win, they’ll face either Franklin County or Station Camp Thursday, Oct. 27.
