Hilton Head Prep’s Riley Wilbert, center, tries to head the ball as John Paul II’s goalkeeper Trinity Grace, deflects it just enough to miss the goal, while Hollis Melnick, left, and Finlay Henderson move in to assist during the first half of their Class 3A SCISA State Championship match Saturday, May 11 in Blufton. The Hilton Head Prep Dolphins went on to win the match, 1-0, to become the new 3A State Champions. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

JPII’s best effort not enough in state finals

May 14, 2024

Sports

LowcoSports.com

After two regular-season losses at the hands of rival Hilton Head Prep, the John Paul II girls soccer team knew it would take a special effort to unseat the defending SCISA 3A champions.

They gave it, and they nearly did it.

The Golden Warriors went toe-to-toe with the Dolphins on Saturday at Hilton Head Christian Academy, but they couldn’t find the back of the net, which Prep’s Ashley Brothers did on a rebound with just more than 17 minutes left in regulation to lift the Dolphins to a 1-0 win.

“An incredible milestone for these girls to finish second in the state,” JPII coach Hayley Piña said. “We could not be prouder of the girls’ attitude, effort, and heart that they played with all season. With a young group of girls, the future is bright for the soccer program.”