The Smith County Lady Owls finished the regular season with a record of 11-1-1 (8 of those were clean sheets), District record at the end of the season was 6-0, placing Smith County at the top of the table. Post season play started with the District Tournament hosted by Cannon County. The Semifinal matches were Smith County vs York and Cannon County vs Jackson County.
Smith County would win over York by a score of 4-0. Goals scored by Matty Walker with an assist from Madi Kemp, Aubree Spain would add three more for a hat trick with the last goal being assisted by Matty Walker. Spain’s hat trick was her third in as many games. This win placed them in the Championship game against Cannon County who won over Jackson County by 3-1.
Thursday October 16th the District 5 A Championship game was held at Cannon County with Smith County being the home team on Cannon’s field. The Lady Owl Nation showed up big for the girls and was in every moment of the hard-fought battle. Half time the scoreboard was still 0-0. With 5 minutes left in regulation play, the Lady Owls were awarded a free kick that was taken by Addie Cripps. The shot sailed through Cannon’s wall of players and past the head of the keeper straight into the back of the net. The entire stadium erupted in cheers, releasing the tension that had everyone on the edge of their seat the entire game. Once the field found composure again Smith County went to work to make sure there would be no answer from Cannon County. Final whistle and a 1 goal game ushered Smith County into their sixth straight District Champion title. Head Coach Nicholus Bussell was awarded District Coach of the Year. First team all-district Lady Owls are Jordyn Brown, Addie Cripps, Julie Bowker, and Catie Belle McCarter. Second team all-district Lady Owls were Lexie White and Sophie Shoemake. District Midfielder of the Year is Chloe Gill and the District MVP is Aubree Spain.
Smith County has had a great season bringing home the Championship from the Smoky Mountain Cup and now with the District Championship secured, it is time to keep moving forward. Regional Semifinals will be played on Tuesday October 21st. Smith County Lady Owls will host East Robertson at 6 PM at Crump Paris Park High School field. Cannon County will travel to play at Merrol Hyde Magnet School. Smith County Lady Owls go into this game with a 13-1-1 record and hopes to secure a win and host the Regional Championship game on Thursday October 23rd. A loss would end their season, and this team is not ready to be done. Please come out and pack the park to cheer on your Lady Owls.
Addie Cripps 1st Team, Sophie Shoemake 2nd Team, Jordyn Brown 1st Team, Julie Bowker 1st Team, Catie Belle McCarter 1st Team
