It was not the ideal soccer conditions you would have hoped for with a matchup between two of the top girls teams in the state between Harrisburg and Pierre. A steady rain joined by cold temps and a steady wind introduced a tough set of circumstances for both teams hoping to secure a spot in the State Championship on Saturday. Harrisburg got the better of Pierre in the regular season winning 2-0, continuing a trend of shutouts that had spanned all the way throughout the regular season up to that September 11th meeting. Harrisburg had only surrendered goals in one of their games all season long, outscoring opponents 60-3 coming into this semi-final game. The Govs knew they would have their hands full, but came ready to play despite the tough weather they were dealing with. Mix in the wet conditions with an unfamiliar turf surface to the Governors, and it would add up to an uphill battle.
Harrisburg started with steady offensive pressure, forcing sophomore goal keeper Emlyn Swanson to make some outstanding plays. But the Tigers kept pushing numbers forward and exploiting outside lanes, and Harrisburg’s Nyah Aware found a sliver of daylight on the top shelf and rifled one passed Swanson who had to tip her cap knowing she had simply been beat. Swanson and her defense hung tough, only allowing the one goal on multiple opportunities. However, the Tigers defense was too stout to generate any true scoring opportunities making it clear why only one team had scored on Harrisburg all season long.
The Govs would fall 1-0 and see their season come to an end just one win away from a State Championship berth, however, this was a far cry from the early exit they were dealt last year in the first round. While it was a tough loss for this team, the program continues to build as a true championship contender. The Govs say farewell to four outstanding seniors in Natalie Flottmeyer, Jasmine Jose, Katie Hostler and Kinslee Pfeffer; though are excited about a young crop of talent that continues to work their way up through the varsity ranks.
The Tigers will now head to the finals to try and avenge their only loss of the season against O’Gorman, who beat Rapid City Stevens 3-1 in their semi-finals matchup. The two will face off on Saturday evening at Sioux Park Complex.
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