Knights Fall to Oceanside in 3A Girls Soccer Final

The SJCS girls soccer team held the fort for a while, but Oceanside Collegiate Academy eventually broke through and defeated the Knights 4-0 in the Class 3A state championship match at Memorial Stadium in Columbia on Thursday, May 21.

Despite Oceanside applying constant pressure, the Knights (13-5) and Landsharks (17-2) were scoreless through the game's first 20 minutes.

Midway through the half, SJCS sophomore goalkeeper Ellery Watts made the first of several outstanding saves, diving to her right to keep the Knights even.

However, Oceanside, which entered the match averaging more than seven goals per game, scored just minutes later to move in front. The Landsharks scored again just before the half to take a 2-0 advantage.

The Knights had few scoring chances, and Oceanside maintained the pressure in the second half, adding to its lead in the 54th minute.

Watts and the Knights' defenders continued to thwart many of the Landsharks' opportunities, but they scored again with less than two minutes remaining, putting a cap on Oceanside's sixth consecutive state championship.

It marked the end of a splendid season for the Knights, who advanced to the final for just the fourth time since St. Joe's joined the South Carolina High School League in 2010.

The Knights finished as runners-up in Region 2, arguably the state's toughest -- the region produced three of the Upper State's final four -- and won four playoff games, including a double overtime thriller against Southside Christian to reach the state championship.

Congratulations to the Knights!

PHOTO GALLERY