By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports
HAMMOND – The 11th seeded Byrd Lady Jackets’ Cinderella season reached its apex in the LHSAA Division I girls soccer state championship game Saturday evening, but a late rally fell short in a 2-1 loss to the No. 4 St. Scholastica Doves at Strawberry Stadium.
The Lady Jackets (19-11-4) came into the game loose and knowing the pressure was on the Doves (21-2-5), and that showed well in the first half. Senior Natalie Dvorakova took immediate control of the middle of the field, using her ball skills to possess and eventually make a few picturesque passes to Myjoi Anderson, who turned a couple of them into great shots on goal, putting the Doves keeper to the test early.
The Doves, who won their eighth title, weren’t without their opportunities in the first half as well, first with a cross that was headed into the goal, until a diving Riley Monclaw came out of no where to deflect the ball away from the net. The Byrd keeper made a couple more nice saves in the half to send the game to halftime 0-0.
The second half began with the Doves shifting players more forward and pressing the ball more than they had in the first half. This shift affected the Lady Jackets enough that the Doves had a few great looks at goal, but they were not getting that clean finish.
In the seventh minute of the half that changed when a ball came into the box and was batted around, even punched once by Monclaw, but the Lady Jackets couldn’t clear it properly, and it found the back of the net for a 1-0 Doves’ 1-0 edge.
That lead would double three minutes later on a breakaway that the Doves’ forward had no issue finishing. Byrd had 30 minutes to get back in the game.
In most title contests, teams up by two goals tend to settle back defensively, but the Doves kept pushing numbers and the ball forward. They did this well without giving many chances for the Lady Jackets to get the ball in space and move it towards goal. Meanwhile, Byrd’s Dvorakov was basically double teamed at this point, keeping her at bay.
As the clock wound down Byrd was able to get the ball forward and was given a free kick from 22 yards out on the left side. This was the opportunity it needed.
Dvorakova stepped up and hit a bending free kick that hit the inside of the top of the far post and in. Hope Solo in her prime had no chance to save that ball. Byrd now had 13 minutes to tie, and the battle for the state title was back on.
The Doves put nine players behind the ball, but with a twist, having two forwards up they hit the long passes and the forwards played the delay game, bringing the ball into the corner.
Frustration and desperation became understandably evident on the Lady Jackets and their fans.
With four minutes left, Anderson was chasing a through ball that looked promising, until the Doves keeper came way out and cleared the ball.
In a sign of ultimate respect, every time Dvorakova got the ball four and even sometimes five Doves surrounded her. They were not going to let Dvorakova be the one to beat them.
The Lady Jackets played an incredible game, fighting from the opening whistle to the final one. They should be proud of their game and their unbelievable run in the playoffs.
2024 soccer state final results
GIRLS
Division I
(4) St. Scholastica 2, (11) Byrd 1
Division II
(1) St. Thomas More 6, (7) Ben Franklin 1
Division III
(1) Parkview Baptist 0, (2) St. Louis Catholic 0, Parkview won on PKs
Division IV
(3) Newman 1, (1) Episcopal 0
BOYS
Division I
(1) Jesuit 1, (2) Catholic-BR 0, OT
Division II
(1) Holy Cross 2, (3) Ben Franklin 2, HC won on PKs
Division III
(1) The Willow 2, (3) University Lab 0
Division IV
(8) Episcopal 3, (2) Episcopal of Acadiana 1
Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net