The Soccer Belles’ exciting season came to a bittersweet end on Saturday, May 11, as the team lost to the no. 1 seed Conway Wampus Cats in the semifinals of the 6A State Soccer Tournament in Conway. Entering the state tournament as the no. 3 seed from the 6A Central Conference, the Belles defeated Bentonville West 3-1 and Rogers 2-1 to advance to the semifinals. The team ended up losing 1-0 to the conference champion Wampus Cats in an extremely hard-fought game. The girls gave their all through rain and cold temperatures, preventing Conway from scoring until the final six minutes of the game. Mount St. Mary last won the girl’s state soccer title in 2008.
Despite the heart-breaking loss, the Soccer Belles have a lot to celebrate. The team went 12-5-1 overall and 10-4 in conference play to finish third in the 6A Central Conference and sixth in the state. Senior Anya Ranaraja and junior Cami Kita were awarded All State honors, and seniors Riley Hanan, Gracie May, Kaydee Price and Ashley Suffridge received All Conference honors. Additionally, two seniors committed to continue playing the sport in college this fall. Anya signed with the Lynx at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, and Mallory Howard plans to join the Lady Mustangs at Central Baptist College in Conway.
The JV soccer team enjoyed a successful season, as well, remaining undefeated throughout their entire schedule.
Congrats to the Soccer Belles, including head coach Stephanie Boccarossa and assistant coaches Donnie Bridges and Ashley McNatt, on a very successful and exciting season. We are so proud of you!
Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.