Bearden back at state for 14th time
The latter was on full display last Saturday, Oct. 24, as the Lady Soccer Dawgs defeated visiting Morristown West 6-0 in their Class AAA sectional match at BHS. With the win, Bearden has a chance to defend its 2025 title after advancing to its 14th state tournament appearance in program history.
When the clock hit zero, there was no dog pile. Instead, Bearden’s players smiled and exchanged high-fives after moving one step closer to their ultimate goal.
“I guess it comes with the territory,” Bearden head coach Ryan Radcliffe said. “In a weird way, they’ve been talking about going to state for multiple weeks, and you want them to understand how hard it is to get there. But you’re also encouraged that they expect to be there.
“I hope they have a bigger mission and end goal, and I think it comes with wearing that jersey. We have a tough road ahead of us. But obviously always happy to get back there, and you don’t take it lightly with how strong soccer is in our area.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, Bearden took on Ravenwood in the state quarterfinals. While results were unavailable by press time, the Lady Dawgs relied on the same pieces that guided them to this point.
Last Saturday’s win saw two goals from Webb transfer Landree Horner.
“For her first year in the program, she brings the mentality,” Radcliffe added of Horner. “If you watch her on the field, I think she’d compete in a race to the parking lot. She’s got that different edge to her. She never wants to lose.”
Along with Horner’s two goals, Madi Bowlin, Leighton Corum and freshmen Baylor Kohlbusch and Avery Stevens scored one apiece.
BHS will look to maintain that same approach this week, taking each game as it comes.
And in the end, Radcliffe’s squad hopes to lift another trophy to hang another banner along the wall.
“You just look at one game at a time,” Radcliffe said. “The state tournament is supposed to be hard, and we can make a tough route. You love that everyone each year holds up a reputation of what the previous classes have set. I never want to say we’re rebuilding, and I think it’s the proof in the pudding with where we are at.”
