Newman roars back to win girls state title over Episcopal

HAMMOND – It is not how you start, it is how you finish.

The age-old axiom was never more evident than what was on display Thursday night at Strawberry Stadium.

No. 6 seed Newman rallied from a two-goal deficit, scoring the final four goals to defeat No. 4 Episcopal 4-2 in the LHSAA girls Division IV state championship match Thursday night.

The game started an hour late after the long Division IV boys title match.

The Knights (17-3-1) came out blazing, with the wind at their back.

Senior Katie Capron scored in the fifth minute off an outstanding corner kick to give Episcopal a 1-0 lead and in the 20th minute, Capron scored again, burying a shot from distance to make it 2-0.

Undaunted, Newman fought back, beginning its comeback, splitting the Knights defense with a pass to freshman Lily Arjmand, who began an unforgettable night by beating three defenders with a brilliant run and masterful ball control, getting her shot by freshman goalie Madison Teague for the goal. The half ended 2-1 Episcopal.

The second half started much like the first in reverse.

This time, Newman (20-4-6) had the wind at its back and tied the match as Arjmand scored here second goal off a corner just five minutes into the half to make it 2-2.

Newman took the lead for good 15 minutes later, scoring off a rebounded corner kick. Junior Hannah Plaisance was was able to shoot a 30-yarder over Teague’s head for the go ahead goal to make it 3-2.

The Greenies weren’t finished.

The attack continued with 16 minutes to go as Arjmand, the MVP of the match, completed her hat trick off a nice corner from Avery Summerour.

First-year head coach Doug Freese said after the game that the seniors provided the poise and that led to them not breaking down even down 2-0.

“It was the first time we trailed this season,” Freese said. “We never panicked when we were down. We kept pushing, played our game and got the results. We scored a ton of goals off set pieces this season and tonight was no exception. I am extremely proud of this group and fully expect these girls to be back next year to compete for a title.”

The state title is a Louisiana girls-best 13th for Newman and the sixth championship since 2016.