MHSAA 6A Girls Soccer Championship: Saltillo dominates George County to win state title
GLUCKSTADT, Miss. — Saltillo dominated from start to finish.
Behind a relentless offensive attack, the Saltillo Lady Tigers ran past George County 3-0 to claim the MHSAA Class 6A State Championship at Germantown’s Maverick Stadium on Saturday night.
It’s Saltillo’s (24-1) second consecutive state title — they won Class 5A before reclassification last season — and second championship in school history.
“I knew if my girls showed up and play well we could execute we would be fine,” said Saltillo coach Matthew Reeder. “We’ve played well all year and handled all adversity, and today we had three different goal contributors and everyone did their job.”
Caroline Hamm scored the game's first goal on a break away from a pass from Olivia Miller in the 29th minute to give the Lady Tigers a 1-0 lead.
Saltillo extended their lead to 2-0 as Olivia Miller’s shot deflected off a George County defender and went into the net.
“The own goal was a little rough for us,” said George County coach Britain Dean. “Saltillo is a really good team and when we had our chances, we couldn’t get the look at the net.”
Riley Dickens scored on a header off a corner kick in the 52nd minute to give Saltillo the 3-0 lead.
Hamm was named the games most valuable player.
“It’s just really nice to know that all the hard work you put in ends up being so rewarding," Hamm said. "Me and Olivia have been playing together since I was in third grade, so we have a connection and chemistry is there. It just feels great, and I'm blessed that I can get to be here again and end the season they way I wanted to.”
The Lady Tigers finished with five shots on goal.
“We knew it was going to be difficult because George County has a quality team and a good defensive team," Reeder said. "And they frustrated us, but we did a good job of finding open space. The girls stepped up and did everything I asked them to do. Being here before definitely helped as far as nerves. We've got great kids and they bought into what I’ve asked them to do, and two state championships are very rewarding.”
George County finished with just two shots on goal. The Lady Rebels finished the season 12-9.
