LADY OWLS RETURN TO STATE

By Shea Haile Courier Sports 

(Stats provided by SCHS soccer)

CARTHAGE — For the first time in program history, the Smith County High Lady Owls soccer program hosted a Sectional / Sub-State contest last Saturday evening against visiting STEM Prep Academy.

The Lady Owls secured their second consecutive trip to the Class 1A state tournament with a 3-1 sectional victory over STEM Prep in front of a packed Smith County Soccer Complex. 

“It was a great and close game with a lot of physicality and a great atmosphere,” Smith County High Lady Owls soccer head coach Nicholus Bussell who is in his tenth season leading the program. “ We rallied our community because we knew how special this moment was and it may not happen again. That is why we wanted to get them involved and they spoke volumes today. They were difference maker for us today. It was great to see everyone embrace the “Black Out” and everybody that was here and got to enjoy that moment. I want to thank everybody that was here. I want to thank the community, my high school, administrations at both schools. It was great to have the support with us that our kids got to see today and carry with us on to state.”

Because of field conditions and trainer availability, Smith County was able to host their Class 1A sectional despite finishing as Region 3-1A runner-up.

Kylie Chiapperini, Aubree Spain and Chloe Gill each tallied a goal in the 3-1 triumph. Courtney Haley help set up her teammate Chiapperini for the game’s first goal. 

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