Lady Titans are 5A State Champs

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The Lady Titans had a game plan. Defend with confidence and determination while the offense was to possess and build the attack. The key to it was junior Rhae’Ven Ellis. Her role would be the toughest assignment of the season, shut down Ole Miss signee senior Sara Coleman. After a one hour rain delay, it all came together as the Ridgeland Lady Titans defeated the West Jones Mustangs 2-0 to reclaim the 5A state championship.

Junior Mary Ashton Lembo would get the Titans on the scoreboard early in the first half. Senior midfielder Haley Britt played a low crossing pass behind a cutting Hanna Harris. The junior forward laid the pass off to Lembo. She blasted a shot towards the goal. West Jones’ keeper Abby Baravik deflected the ball twice, but it found its way into the goal for a 1-0 Titan lead. Twenty minutes later, Lembo would take a direct free kick from 47 yards out. The ball short hopped the keeper and just crossed the goal line for the Titans final score.

The Lady Titans limited Coleman to shots off fouls. Ellis did not allow a shot in the run of play to the All State forward.

The game proved to be very rough on the Titans as well. Senior forward Shannon Locke left the game in the middle of the second half with a severely injured knee and freshman midfielder Tracie Hobbs left with dizziness and a hip injury.

“We knew it would be a very physical game, especially in the final half. To say I was very proud of our team today is such a massive understatement,” said Coach Winship. “The team really came together when we returned from the Christmas break. The results from today’s match were well earned by the girls and the all the coaches. God truly blessed us all year. To the parents, thanks for sharing your girls with us this year. It was truly a great year to be a Titan!”