Staff Reports

CENTRE – The Cherokee County Lady Warriors gave defending Class 4A state champion St. John Paul II a tough second-round soccer playoff match at home on Thursday, but they fell by the final of 2-1 to end their season.

“What an incredible game. My girls left it all on the field,” Cherokee County High School coach Paul Sewell said. “I am so proud of the fight and heart my team showed.”

The Lady Warriors went up 1-0 on a goal by Ava Haygood, her 40th of the season. They held the lead for 65 minutes before St. John Paul II tied the match and eventually took the lead with five minutes to go.

“Cali Martin was our MVP,” Sewell said. “She made some incredible saves as goalie and kept our team in the game.”

St. John Paul II advances back to the Final Four, where it will face Mars Hill on May 6 in Huntsville. Mars Hill defeated White Plains in other second-round playoff action on Thursday.

“I have to give credit to St. John Paul II. They played a tough schedule to help prepare them for the gauntlet of the playoffs and it paid off,” Sewell said. “As a coach, I’m proud to say they left knowing what Cherokee County Lady Warrior soccer is about and the heart of our Warriors.”

Sewell also gave credit to the Warrior fans for their support.

“They were amazing from start to finish,” he said. “It made a difference.”