AUSTIN, TX (Covering Katy News) – Katy's Aristoi Classical Academy varsity girls soccer team advanced to the state title game with a 3 to 2 overtime victory over Kipp Austin Academy on Friday in Austin.
Sophomore Rachel Lajaunie scored the game-winner with a perfectly placed free kick that bounced off the keeper's outstretched fingertips and into the goal (see video below). The goal kicked off a celebration on Kipp's home field and stunned a vocal home audience.
The game began with the Cardinals scoring first with a kick that hit the crossbar and dropped inside the goal. It would be the only time Kipp was in the lead.
Before the half ended, Aristoi freshman Valerie Gonzalez tied the game, moving in from the left side and unloading a tough-angle shot that made the score 1 to 1.
Sophomore Isabel Mora gave Aristoi a 2 to 1 lead early in the second half on a free-kick rebound. It was the first time Aristoi took the lead.
Kipp sustained pressure in the second half, eventually knotting the game at 2 goals each on a high, hard shot that dropped into the goal just under the crossbar.
Aristoi keeper Maddie Sinitiere made several big saves, keeping the Griffins in the game and pushing it into overtime.
The Griffins had a renewed purpose in overtime, taking control early and winning on Lajaunie's goal.
"The girls gave 150 percent," said Coach Andrea Altamirano. "They came in with everything they had. They came in with heart, and that's why we won."
The Griffins play the IDEA Toros of McAllen on Saturday for the Texas Charter School Academic and Athletic League state championship.
See a video of the game-winning goal below.
Aristoi Girls Soccer Varsity – Name and Grade
- Maddie Sinitiere, 12 (Goalkeeper)
- Daniella Cueto, 12 (Goalkeeper)
- Gracie Garcia, 12
- Savannah Parks, 12
- Abrianna Parks, 12
- Joanna Vargas, 12
- Ellie Lawson, 11
- Anna Lasthaus, 11
- Chiara Castillo, 11
- Annie Bayles, 11
- Valentina Bousleiman, 10
- Taylor Madison, 10
- Isabel Mora, 10
- Rachel Lajaunie, 10
- Brynlee English, 9
- Valerie Gonzalez, 9
- Emma Clark, 9
- Olivia Spellman, 9