Franklin Road Academy’s Kendall Manning scored what turned out to be the winning goal in the 56th minute in a 3-2 victory over St. George’s on Friday, advancing the Lady Panthers to the Division II-A championship match today.
They will face University School of Jackson, which defeated Evangelical Christian School 5-1 in the other semifinal. The game is set for 4 p.m. at GPS.
FRA trailed twice in the first half but tied the match against the Lady Gryphons. Carly Bowen had a goal on a penalty kick and an assist. Taylor Hilborn scored the first goal for FRA (17-3-1).
Courtney Clark and Tori Fitzgerald had goals for St. George (8-11-3).
In the other semifinal, USJ scored all five of its goals in the first half. Rachel Giampapa had a hat trick for the Lady Bruins (19-1-1), while Honeye Heydari had two goals and an assist.
Allie Oliver had the goal for ECS (11-6-1).
Division II-A State Semifinals
FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY 3, ST. GEORGE’S 2
Halftime score: 2-2. Goals: Taylor Hilborn, Carly Bowen, Kendall Manning (FRA); Courtney Clark, Tori Fitzgerald (SG). Assists: Bowen, Christine Matthews (FRA); Catherine Cantu, Rachael Smith (SG). Shots: FRA, 15-8. Saves: Amy Mirro 4 (SG); Mariah Canady 2 (FRA). Records: FRA 17-3-1; St. George’s 8-11-3.
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF JACKSON 5, EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1
Halftime score: 5-0. Goals: Rachel Giampapa 3, Honeye Heydari 2 (USJ); Allie Oliver (ECS). Assists: Heydari, Destini Kramer, Rachel Butler (USJ). Shots: USJ, 15-8. Saves: Caroline Jamison 6 (ECS); Carrie Cobb 3, Mary Alex Richards 2 (USJ). Records: USJ 19-1-1; ECS 11-6-1.