FORT PAYNE, Ala. – For the first time in school history, the Cullman Lady Bearcats are advancing to the third round of the AHSAA state playoffs. Cullman downed Springville 4-0 in round one last week and defeated Fort Payne on the road 3-1 Tuesday night to secure their spot in the next round.
Addie Echols scored an early goal to give the Lady Bearcats a 1-0 lead at halftime and they pulled away in the second half Jeta Falcon and Ashley Bryant each put goals in the back of the net. Gracie Barksdale allowed just one goal in the win and collected a pair of big saves to help protect the lead, including one that came on a penalty kick.
Coach Megan Hackbarth is proud of the way the Lady Bearcats finished the game against Fort Payne strong and is excited to turn the page and start preparing for a matchup with Southside later this week.
“Emotions were high tonight because we’ve never made it past the second round. I think that got the best of the girls for a lot of the game, but we won. It wasn’t pretty, but we won. We’re so proud of these for fighting through and finishing the game,” Hackbarth said. “All of us know that we have to get back to work and have a great day tomorrow. That being said, we’re all looking forward to getting back on the field to play another round later this week.”
Cullman will return home later this week to host Southside in round three. A date and time will be announced later.
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