History, heartbreak comprise DII soccer slate
Webb School of Knoxville went on to clinch a 5-2 state semifinal win over Lipscomb Academy, marking the best result for area private schools in postseason girls’ soccer.
In the Division II-A quarterfinals, Christian Academy of Knoxville fell to University School of Jackson 3-0, while Concord Christian lost 2-0 at Lausanne Collegiate in Memphis.
This was Concord’s fourth state tournament appearance in the last five years, as CCS defeated University School of Nashville 4-1 to mark its first state win in program history.
“You don’t know what to expect replacing some starters,” CCS head coach Jason Jennings said. “To make it as far as we did, it’s a pretty proud accomplishment for our program.”
For CAK, Saturday marked the Lady Warriors’ first Elite 8 appearance since 2019.
“Overall, the level of commitment and determination and willingness to play at a higher level and support each other is what it came down to for our season’s success,” Warriors head coach Nathan Worley said. “The first year is tough for any head coach, but what stood out to me is how much these girls love God and love each other.”
At Webb, this marks the third consecutive year the program has reached the state semifinals with a fourth-straight appearance in the state tournament.
Today, Oct. 28, the Lady Spartans will face Christ Presbyterian Academy in a push for their third straight state championship appearance.
“Maybe when we win the big game we’ll have a little more swagger to us, but our girls still struggle with the confidence that’s needed to be present in those big games,” head coach Elaine Roth said. “To get them ready, I keep them focused on the task at hand and go one game at a time.”
