Saturday night, the nine smiling Soddy Daisy seniors walked off their home turf for the last time armed with a victory, a third straight sectional championship plaque, a ticket to next week’s state tournament and memories for a lifetime. 

The host Trojans tied a school record for wins by a senior class – 74 – with the 4-0 victory against Blackman in the state sectional highlighted by senior Summer Lanter’s 100th career goal.

“In my 11 years as coach of this program I have never had a player score 100 goals in four years and I have never given a game ball to any of my players – until now,” said Soddy Daisy coach Moises Drumond in post-game comments prior to presenting Lanter with the game ball.

Lanter scored two goals and added an assist while Miranda Smith and Natalie Smith also scored as the Trojans improve to 18-2-3.

The Trojans led 2-0 at half on goals by Lanter (12 minute) and Miranda Smith (35th minute), followed by a second Lanter goal and one by Natalie Smith in the final 40 minutes.

“I had no idea I was close to 100 goals in a career and I am so thrilled and excited for the win and getting the game ball,” said Lanter.

Unbeaten State Tournament Foe: Trojans face undefeated and No.1 ranked Knox. Farragut (22-0-1) Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Baylor in the state quarterfinals. The semis are Thursday at Baylor and the finals are Saturday at GPS.  Farragut defeated Soddy Daisy, 4-1, on the Trojans field on Aug. 23.

“To earn a spot in the final eight in the largest classification in division one is very hard to do, “said coach Drumond. You came out inspired and put everything you had on the line tonight.

“I am proud to be your coach,” he told his players.

“I have tears of joy I am so excited that we won sectionals three straight years,” said Natalie Smith.

Blackman made it uneasy for Trojan fans with two scoring opportunities off corner kicks in the second half as well as a free kick that hit the cross bar in the 52nd minute and eventually saved by Soddy Daisy goalkeeper Baylee Burk. She had another save off a free kick in the 71st minute.

The victorious Trojans had their share of scoring opportunities as well, as Lanter had a one-on-one situation in the third minute from 10 yards out with Blackman goalkeeper Haily Branham who stopped the shot.  Nine minutes later, Lanter had her 99th career goal on a pass from Megan Weller for a 1-0 advantage.

“That number 14 (Lanter), she’s awesome,” stated Blackman coach Bill Vice. “We tried to press from the start and we knew that would open up opportunities for Soddy Daisy.”

Branham also came out of the goal to block another Lanter shot in the 30th minute. Miranda Smith made it 2-0 five minutes later on a pass from Lanter.

Soddy Daisy 4, Blackman 0

Blackman 0 - 0 -- 0

Soddy Daisy - 2- 2 -- 4

SD – Summer Lanter (Megan Weller), 1-0 … 12th minute

SD – Miranda Smith (Lanter), 2-0 … 35th minute

SD – Lanter, 3-0 … 61st minute

SD – Natalie Smith, 4-0 … 74th minute

Stats:

Goals: SD, 4-0

Shots: SD, 26-12

Goal Saves: Blackman, 11-6

Corners: 3-3

Free Kicks: SD, 6-3

Fouls: Blackman, 6-3

Hand Balls: None

Off Sides: 1-1

Crosses: SD, 17-4

Yellow Cards: Blackman  – 67th minute

Red Cards: None

Records: Soddy Daisy (18-2-3), Blackman (14-6-2)

contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net