Harpeth Hall secured its third TSSAA girls soccer state championship by outlasting Christ Presbyterian Academy, 2-1, in a high-stakes Division II-AA final at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga. The victory on October 29 marks a significant milestone for the Honeybears, ending a five-year title drought and capping a historic tournament run that included a stunning 1-0 semifinal upset over three-time defending champion Baylor. This triumph restores Harpeth Hall’s status as a perennial powerhouse in the region, adding to its previous titles from 2013 and 2021 while signaling a strong return to elite competition after a brief absence from the state stage.
Honeybears stun CPA with late surge to claim first state crown since 2021
The match featured a dramatic tactical shift after CPA’s Livi Langan struck first with a goal in the 7:31 mark, capitalizing on a corner kick to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. However, Harpeth Hall (17-8-4) responded with aggressive momentum, dominating possession and generating four of the next five shots in the game. Olivia Grace Akatue leveled the score in the 27th minute with a precise finish assisted by Alexa Sarb, setting the stage for a decisive second-half performance. The Honeybears’ midfield control and defensive resilience neutralized CPA’s (14-6) attack, forcing the Eagles into a desperate but ultimately ineffective push for an equalizer.
Alexa Sarb delivered the winning blow in the 67th minute with an unassisted goal that broke the deadlock and shifted the psychological momentum entirely to Harpeth Hall. The Honeybears’ defense locked down the final 13 minutes, allowing CPA only one shot on target as they managed the clock to secure the trophy. This victory not only ends CPA’s pursuit of their first state title since 2018 but also highlights Harpeth Hall’s depth and composure under pressure, establishing them as the team to beat in the upcoming season. The result underscores a successful strategic adjustment that turned a deficit into a dominant display of late-game execution.
Source: Yahoo Sports
