CLASS 5A GIRLS SOCCER

Jones makes sure Goblins get fitted for 'that big ring'

Harrison coach Chris Pratt directs his team against Pulaski Academy Saturday, May 21, 2016, during the Class 5A state championship game at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.
Harrison coach Chris Pratt directs his team against Pulaski Academy Saturday, May 21, 2016, during the Class 5A state championship game at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Harrison is once again the top girls' soccer team in Class 5A.

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NWA Democrat-Gazette

Harrison’s Brylie Parker (right) redirects the ball as Pulaski Academy’s Tess McCrary defends Saturday during the Lady Goblins’ 4-2 victory in the Class 5A championship game at Razorback Field in Fayetteville. It was Harrison’s fifth state title.

Katie Jones scored two goals and had an assist to lead Harrison to a 4-2 victory over Pulaski Academy on Saturday at Razorback Field.

Harrison (19-6-1) won its fifth state championship in girls soccer. The Lady Goblins also won in 2002, 2004, 2011 and 2014.

"It's great to end it like this," said Jones, a senior forward. "We're ready to get that big ring."

Senior forward Carlee Spears and freshman forward Brylie Parker each had a goal and an assist for Harrison. Defender Kaylee Parker also had an assist. The Lady Goblins won despite being outshot 14-10 by the Lady Bruins.

Freshman forward Mattie Hatcher scored both of Pulaski Academy's goals. The freshman scored in the 31st and 58th minutes.

Harrison freshman goalie Makayla Campbell, the 5A tournament MVP, made 12 saves.

Harrison led 2-1 at halftime and extended its lead to 3-1 in the 42nd minute with Brylie Parker's goal. But the Lady Bruins cut the lead to 3-2 in the 58th minute when senior Meri Shaya Walker found Hatcher, who scored her second goal.

The Lady Goblins responded in the 69th minute when Brylie Parker passed to Jones, who got the ball past Pulaski Academy goalkeeper Olivia Baker to stretch Harrison's lead to 4-2.

"It was more relief than anything," Harrison Coach Chris Pratt said of Jones' final goal. "Instead of those last minutes in the game where they could have put in a ball to equalize it, they could put a ball in where we would still be up by one."

Harrison took a 1-0 lead when Jones scored in the ninth minute. Harrison made it 2-0 in the 27th minute when Spears scored from 35 yards out, with Kaylee Parker getting the assist.

Hatcher brought the Lady Bruins within 2-1 when her free kick got past Campbell in the 31st minute.

Pulaski Academy (14-3) has lost in the championship game in consecutive seasons.

"I felt like they [Harrison] were a little more aggressive than us," Pulaski Academy Coach Chris Owen said. "We had chances. We hit the bar a couple of times. But we didn't do enough to win the game today. We didn't have enough players play their best game today."

Pulaski Academy was going for its seventh state title, which would have tied it with Bentonville for most in girls soccer. Harrison and Central Arkansas Christian have each won five state titles.

"You learn to appreciate them because it doesn't happen every year," Pratt said. "Being here is exciting."

Sports on 05/22/2016

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