CLASS 4A GIRLS SOCCER

CAC cruises to 8th championship

Central Arkansas Christian’s Claire Vest (9) and Berryville’s Abby Thurman (26) attempt to possess the ball during Saturday’s Class 4A girls soccer state championship match at Razorback Field in Fayetteville. CAC shut out Berryville 6-0 for its third consecutive title and eighth overall.
Central Arkansas Christian’s Claire Vest (9) and Berryville’s Abby Thurman (26) attempt to possess the ball during Saturday’s Class 4A girls soccer state championship match at Razorback Field in Fayetteville. CAC shut out Berryville 6-0 for its third consecutive title and eighth overall.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Make it three consecutive girls soccer state titles for the Central Arkansas Christian Lady Mustangs.

CAC capped off its undefeated season with a 6-0 victory against Berryville in the Class 4A state championship game at Razorback Field. CAC won its eighth overall crown, which tied it for most in the sport with Bentonville.

"They are all special," CAC Coach Carter Lambert said. "This one is because of the senior class. Each one has been fun. In some ways, this is really hard to do again. I'm proud of it being a team effort and not being an individual accomplishment."

Berryville (12-5) was the more aggressive team early, finding the first two shots on goal.

CAC (19-0) took over from there, building a 3-0 lead in the span of six minutes. The Lady Mustangs didn't look back.

"You tip your cap and move on because they beat a lot of good teams this tournament," Berryville Coach Aaron Hall said. "We fought for the first 20 minutes or so and were right there. They get one goal and got a couple more after that. They gave themselves opportunities."

The Lady Mustangs found their first goal in the 23rd minute when Emma Dalby set up a 25-yard kick that found the net from Claire Vest.

In the 26th minute, Lauren Johnson scored off of a corner kick on an assist from Riley Sullivan to extend the advantage to 2-0.

Sullivan scored a goal of her own when she hit a sky kick and found the back of the net to push the edge to 3-0 in the 29th minute.

"I have to say Berryville came out strong and played hard," Lambert said. "They were really impressive in this tournament. We just had to settle down and go from there. It worked out well for us after that."

Bethany Dillard, the game's MVP, took over the offense in the second half for CAC, scoring three goals.

"She played really well and is a competitor," Lambert said. "She doesn't get nervous about anything as a freshman. I had about 11 MVPs during this season. She finished well this last game."

It didn't take long for CAC to add to its lead after the break. Dalby hit a cross that set up Dillard about five minutes after halftime.

Dillard found the back of the net again in the 61st minute. McKenna Moore assisted on the goal. Dillard's final goal came in the 71st minute off of an assist from Molly Nickell.

CAC goalkeeper Madyson Bowman recorded seven saves. Maryn Jones had Berryville's best chance to score after a penalty kick, but the attempt didn't find the net.

"Our defense was just awesome," Lambert said. "Bowman doesn't touch the ball a lot. But when she is called on to do it, she does it well. I'm very proud of her. The other girls helped a lot as well on defense."

Berryville advanced to the program's first state championship game after missing the tournament last season.

"You can't get here without good effort," Hall said. "We got a bunch of hardworking young ladies. That's what our school is built on. I couldn't be more proud."

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NWA Democrat-Gazette

Central Arkansas Christian’s Lauren Johnson (left) high-fives Bethany Dillard during Saturday’s title game. Dillard scored three second-half goals to earn MVP honors.

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NWA Democrat-Gazette

Central Arkansas Christian players hold up their championship trophy.

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NWA Democrat-Gazette

Central Arkansas Christian’s Bethany Dillard (right) controls the ball in front of Berryville’s Ashlee Easter during Saturday’s Class 4A girls soccer state championship match at Razorback Field in Fayetteville. Dillard scored three goals and CAC won 6-0.

Sports on 05/20/2018

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