Hilton Head Christian girls soccer captures second consecutive state championship
The Hilton Head Christian girls soccer team began the year as one of the favorites in SCISA 2A, and finished as a champion for the second straight year.
The Eagles defeated Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach, 3-1, on Saturday at Cardinal Newman High School. It is the fifth championship in school history.
“It is amazing,” Hilton Head Christian coach Laurie White said. “You come into the second year with a target on your back and everyone wants to beat you. But the girls came out every game with determination, heart. And the biggest thing about this team is that they are a family.”
It is the third championship this school year for the Eagles, who also won titles in football and girls basketball.
The two teams met in the championship match for the second straight year. HHCA won last year, 3-0, on goals by three different players.
Abby Peduzzi scored two goals on Saturday and added another trophy to her already storied career. The junior has been a part of two soccer championships to go along with four in basketball for the Eagles (17-3).
Peduzzi finished the season with a team-high 40 goals.
“I got to make some room on my desk but there is plenty of room for more,” Peduzzi said. “Every team you play on is different. But this group, I think we are such a close-knit family and we put everything out there each game so it is great to win it again.”
Hilton Head Christian got on the board in the 24th minute as Bless Hurtado scored to make it 1-0. Hurtdao thought her goal was able to loosen things up as the Eagles’ offense created several more opportunities after the first goal.
“I don’t think we had many shots to begin with so I think we needed to see what the goalie was like and how she reacted,” said Hurtado, the team leader in assists to go along with her 18 goals this season. “And after that, I feel it really boosted our energy and said we are in this and we could win.”
The Eagles added another goal, almost seven minutes later as Peduzzi scored to make it 2-0.
Peduzzi made it 3-0 with a goal in the 60th minute.
Carly Belle Jackson got Christian Academy on the board with a goal in the 65th minute to cut the Eagles’ lead to 3-1.
Christian Academy had a couple good scoring chances in the final five minutes of the match but junior goalkeeper Isabel Cunningham had a couple big saves to seal the match.
“I had full faith that our defense was going to hold the line and win,” White said. “Our goalie played amazing today and came out with all heart to defend their title. And I am so proud of them.”
