Soccer: Newman girls advance to state final, Newman and Northshore boys fall just short

GIRLS’ SOCCER BRACKETS

It will be Newman against Episcopal for the girls Division IV state soccer championship next week at Southeastern Louisiana.

Sixth-seeded Newman left no doubt, shutting out No. 23 Northlake Christian 4-0 Friday at Lupin Field.

After a scoreless first half, the Greenies exploded for four second half goals, including a pair by Hannah Plaisance and two goals by Lily Arjamand.

Newman (19-4-5) advances to the title match next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Hammond against No. 4 Episcopal, who defeated top seed Loyola Prep 2-1. The Greenies will be in search of a 13th state title.

The news was not as good for the top-seeded Newman boys.

In a back-and-forth match, Alden Romano scored the tying and winning goals as No. 5 Episcopal upset the defending state champion Greenies 5-4 at Lupin Field.

Romano’s game-winner came in the 79th minute.

It was a match of wild twists and turns.

It looked like the Knights would win going away after they jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first half on a pair of goals by David Olinde and a goal by Lane Mendoza but the Greenies (20-3-4) answered with three consecutive goals to tie it at halftime and scored a fourth straight goal in the second half to lead 4-3, setting the stage for Romano’s heroics.

Rylan Claverie was brilliant for Newman, recording a hat trick, while George Villere added a goal for the Greenies.

Episcopal (15-4-3) will face No. 2 Holy Savior Menard for the state championship Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at Strawberry Stadium. The Knights are in search of their first state title since 2013. Holy Savior Menard edged No. 3 Episcopal of Acadiana 1-0.

In the girls Division I semifinals, No. 6 Dutchtown blanked No. 7 Northshore 2-0.

After a scoreless first half, Riley Hickock stole the show, scoring both goals for the Griffins. Elizabeth Meisner posted the clean sheet in goal.

Dutchtown (19-2-2) advances to the final at SLU next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. to take on the winner of today’s semifinal match pitting No. 5 Dominican at No. 1 St. Joseph’s Academy at 11 a.m. at Catholic High. Dutchtown and Dominican played to a tie in the regular season while the Griffins did not face the Redstickers.

Northshore ended its fine season 16-7-2.

In boys Division I semifinal action today, No. 2 St. Paul’s hosts district rival and No. 3 seed Mandeville at 6 p.m.

In Division II, No. 1 Ben Franklin entertains No. 4 East Jefferson at 3:30 p.m. while No. 3 Archbishop Rummel travels to No. 2 St. Thomas More at 6 p.m.

In Division III, No. 4 The Willow School is at top seed University High at 6:30 p.m.

In girls Division I semifinal action today, No. 4 Dominican squares off with No. 1 St. Joseph’s Academy at 11 a.m. at Catholic High of Baton Rouge.

In Division II, No. 2 Lakeshore entertains No. 3 Teurlings Catholic at noon.

In Division III, No. 6 Academy of the Sacred Heart travels to Parkview Baptist at 6 p.m.

Prep Soccer Playoff Schedule for Friday, Feb. 17
Boys Semifinals
Division IV
No. 5 Episcopal 5, No. 1 Newman 4
No. 2 Holy Savior Menard 1, No. 3 Episcopal of Acadiana 0

Girls Semifinals
Division I
No. 6 Dutchtown 2, No. 7 Northshore 0

Division III
No. 1 Archbishop Hannan 3, No. 4 St. Louis Catholic 0

Division IV
No. 4 Episcopal 2, No. 1 Loyola Prep 1
No. 6 Newman 4, No. 23 Northlake Christian 0