To say that the Harrison Lady Goblin Soccer team is familiar with the state tournament would be an understatement.
The Lady Goblins will be making an appearance in the finals of the Class 4A State Soccer Tournament. Being in the Final Four of the event is something that shouldn’t surprise anyone.
“We have been to the semi or finals every year since 2008-2009 — with the exception of last year (COVID-19 canceled),” said Harrison coach Chris Pratt. “I had to look that up. That is a pretty good run.”
Opposite the Lady Goblins will be Pulaski Academy at 2 p.m. on Friday in the finals. The two teams are very familiar with each other in the late rounds of the state tournaments. Harrison defeated the Lady Bruins in the last finals of the tournament in 2019.
“I actually enjoy matching up against schools like Pulaski Academy in any round,” said the coach. “They are a quality team that will challenge us all over the field and at every position.”
When the two teams meet in the championship game. It will be a battle of underclassmen.
“We are a younger team,” said Pratt of his squad. “We have six total seniors, only one of them have been healthy enough to play in every single game.”
One senior playing for the Lady Goblins the entire season helped the team grab more experience.
“We have had to rely on younger players and they have handled their roles well,” stated Pratt. “The immediate future is bright for the program as is the next few years.”
Harrison goes into the field battle with his experienced players. He feels that the finals should be treated like any other game.
“No more than normal,” Pratt answered when asked about pressure to win the championship. ”If you are going to keep score then you play to win.”
A win in this game would fulfill a Harrison goal.
“Our top goal every season is to win a state title,” said the coach. “We have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity quite often with lots of different groups. Our expectations are for us to compete at the highest level we can and come off the filed knowing we gave it our best.”
When the Lady Goblins take the field for the last time this season, Pratt will be taking a group of girls that will represent the school well.
“This is a great group of young ladies that get along well and love to play and love to win,” he said. “They are all very supportive of each other from top to the bottom.”
Team members of the Lady Goblins include: Maggie Salmon; Sydney Hobson; Olivia Pall; Jenna Mae Jones; Brynn Oleson; Eliana Adamos; Mia Barrett; Sydney Shrum; Kaitlyn Bridges; Clare Barger; Noelle Pall; Kenna Oliver; Tenelle Tate; Lela Gipson; Cassi Johnson; Miranda Jones; Brooke Boyd; Madison Bell; Rylee Myers; Elise Bell; and Izabella Miletello. The team is coached by Chris Pratt. Assistant coaches are Evan Cowling and Devon Boswell.
