Girls Soccer Team Beats SCS, Heads to State Final

The fourth time was the charm for the SCS girls soccer team.

Caroline Mruz scored with less than a minute remaining in the second overtime to lift the Knights to a 2-1 victory over visiting Southside Christian 2-1 on Saturday in the Class 3A Upper State championship match.

The Knights (13-4) will play Oceanside Collegiate Academy (16-2) in the state final at noon Thursday at Memorial Stadium in Columbia.

CLASS 3A GIRLS SOCCER BRACKET

After losing in the Upper State final against Christ Church each of the past three years, St. Joe's cleared the state semifinal hurdle when Mruz scored her second goal of the match near the end of the second 10-minute overtime period.

Taylor Hargett's corner kick settled in front of the Sabres' goal, and after Sydney Reyes directed the ball toward Mruz, the senior captain sent the ball to the back of the net with little time remaining.
 

Seconds later, the Knights were celebrating their first trip to the state final since winning back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022.

The Knights, playing without senior standout Lola Kelly (knee injury), took a 1-0 lead in the first half when Mruz scored with an assist from Elin Johnson.

Goalkeeper Ellery Watts made an incredible save on a penalty shot that helped to preserve the Knights' 1-0 halftime advantage. 

Southside Christian tied the scored in the second half, and neither team scored in the first of the two 10-minute overtime periods, setting up the game-winner by Mruz.

St. Joe's will be making its fourth trip in all to the state final as a member of the South Carolina High School League. Along with 2A titles in 2021 and 2022, the Knights were runners-up in 2017.

St. Joe's also won state titles in girls soccer in SCISA in 2004 and 2005.

**Click HERE for ticket information and other important details for fans attending Thursday's state final.

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