St. Aloysius girls’ soccer team advances with 8-0 playoff win

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The St. Aloysius High School girls’ soccer team advanced to the second round of the playoffs after defeating Mt. Salus 8-0 on Monday night. The Lady Flashes hosted the opening-round match and kept their season alive, reaching the second round for the first time since 2019.

“I feel great that we were so successful and connected with each other, and we were able to bring what we learned at practice out here today,” senior Taryn Lusby said. “This was really big, so winning this is very special.”

St. Aloysius had seven different players score, starting with Frances Farrell, who found the net just three and a half minutes into the match. Within the next 12 minutes, Lynlee McMillin added a goal, and AnnaKate McKnight scored from the left side to give the Lady Flashes a 3-0 lead.

Lusby extended the lead to 4-0 by halftime, giving St. Aloysius plenty of momentum heading into the break.

Just before halftime, Reese Lyons made a key defensive stop, and shortly after the second half began, she added a goal. LaniMarie Thurman scored the fifth goal of the night, and two minutes later, Sarah Smith pushed the lead to 7-0.

With more than 10 minutes remaining, Mary Ruth Montgomery converted a penalty kick to end the match early due to the mercy rule.

The Lady Flashes will play again on Thursday.