Allison Gehron (23) of CSAS attempts a penalty kick against Silverdale Baptist Academy’s goalkeeper Lauren Pruitt while Silverdale’s Kellie Cameron, Taylor Meyer, Erica Carroll, and Ryan Alosi, from left, leap to block her shot in this file photo. At left is Sarah Bradshaw of CSAS.A year ago, Lauren Pruitt was confined to the bench, helplessly watching her Chattanooga Christian teammates perform on the soccer pitch. Having transferred from Silverdale Baptist Academy, the goalkeeeper was ineligible to play for the Lady Chargers unless they advanced to the Class A/AA state sectionals; plus, one of her fingers was in a splint.
So although the entire team appreciates reaching the 2011 state tournament after not making it last year, Pruitt’s first appearance — as a senior — feels extra special.
The second-ranked Lady Chargers’ Class A/AA postseason run will resume tonight, when they face first-time state participant Chester County at 7 in the state quarterfinals. The match will be played on the Lady Chargers’ home field, the site of the first two rounds of the A/AA tourney.
Third-ranked Notre Dame (7-11-3) gets the A/AA event started at 11:30 a.m. against Madison (17-3). In Class AAA, Soddy-Daisy (19-2-2) will face Collierville (11-8-1) at Baylor at 7.
Baylor (17-1) doesn’t start its state tournament until Friday, when the top-ranked Lady Red Raiders face No. 3 Father Ryan at 7 in the Division II-AA state semifinals at GPS. All championship matches will be played Saturday.