Allatoona Bows Out In Semifinal

Allatoona found out why No. 1 ranked St. Pius is expected to win back-to-back state championships, as the traveling Buccaneers were defeated 10-0 in the Class AAA semifinals Wednesday.

Only Woodward Academy stands in the way of a sixth crown for the Lady Golden Lions, who scored seven times in the second half.

“That’s the team to beat right there,” said Allatoona coach Bill Perry, referring to St. Pius. “We’ve got to raise the bar next year and make sure we’re coming out and ready to go for 80 minutes.”

The hosts showed good movement and ball distribution throughout but were frustrated in the early exchanges by Allatoona’s organized backline.

However, with the visitors rarely an attacking force, it was only a matter of time until St. Pius’ pressure paid off.

Caroline Wootten claimed the opener, latching on to Kelsey Keown’s threaded through-ball before racing 40 yards downfield, rounding the goalie and calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Allatoona was left a mountain to climb when St. Pius doubled its lead 10 minutes before halftime. Grace May was the creator, sending a cutback into the path of an onrushing Diana Soloaga, who didn’t break stride before applying a well-struck finish.

A dominant first half for the hosts was underlined with another goal, as Kaitlyn Orman struck with a close-range rebound for a 3-0 lead. 

The second half started like the first, with St. Pius in constant attack. Keown grabbed her first goal of the night, turning a Wootten assist past Sarah Craig from close range.

Wootten was on the score sheet again in the 51^st minute, sending a curling shot into the top corner to move St. Pius into an unassailable 5-0 lead. Keown set up Wooten for a third goal moments later.

And the goals continued. Elizabeth Kinsel, Tiffany Rodriguez and Amanda Vocelka were all on target, as St. Pius’ lead ballooned to 9-0. Salado’s header finished it in the 65^th minute.  

Despite the score line, Perry felt his third-year program has laid the foundation for a strong future. 

“Our seniors did a great job of building the program until this point and I think they’re going to turn it over to a good group of kids. And hopefully we’ll be right back in the same spot again next year.