CLASS 5A GIRLS SOCCER

LR Christian knocks off PA in fourth meeting for a title

FAYETTEVILLE -- Winning a state championship is quite an accomplishment, especially when it comes against a rival team.

That's what happened Saturday morning when Little Rock Christian defeated Pulaski Academy 2-0 to win the girls 5A soccer title at Razorback Field. Claire Huchingson and Madeline Duch scored goals for Little Rock Christian, which won its fourth state championship but first since 2015.

Saturday's game was the fourth meeting this season between Little Rock Christian and Pulaski Academy, schools located just miles apart. Little Rock Christian (19-1-1) scored a goal in each half against Pulaski Academy (16-3), which beat the Lady Warriors 1-0 earlier in the year.

"It was really exciting to be able to play PA for the fourth time," Little Rock Christian senior goalie Ashton Fugate said. "We're all really good friends, but I'm super excited that my team came out with a win."

Another low-scoring match was expected after Little Rock Christian edged Pulaski Academy 1-0 on penalty kicks (5-4) in their conference tournament. Little Rock Christian took a 1-0 lead at halftime Saturday on a goal by Huchingson with about nine minutes left in the first half. Darby Stotts sent a corner kick in front of the net, and Huchingson used a header to put the Lady Warriors ahead.

The game remained 1-0 until Duch scored on an unassisted goal with 11:24 left in the second half. Duch's goal allowed Little Rock Christian to protect a two-goal cushion.

"We needed that one," Little Rock Christian Coach Beth Highfill said of the second goal. "We knew if they got one in, they would have the momentum. They have two forwards they really try to get the ball to. So, one of the biggest emphasis we had this week was to get the ball out and don't let No. 1 [Mattie Hatcher] and No. 2 [Emily Leding] have the ball. We pretty much took care of business on that and didn't get scored on in all of our state [tournament] games."

Fugate preserved the shutout with plenty of help from the defense in front of her. Pulaski Academy took 14 shots but only seven were on target.

"My defense was amazing," Fugate said. "They fight nonstop, and they don't give up on the ball. They're awesome. They've saved my butt a thousand times."

Sports on 05/20/2018

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