The St. Andrew's girls' soccer team is heading back to the Georgia Independent Athletic Association Girls AAA state championship, which the Lions did in a thrilling style.
Down twice in the first half, the Lions battled back each time. Eventually, they pulled away for a 5-3 win over John Milledge Academy in the GIAA Class 3A state semifinal on Friday. The victory sends St. Andrew's to Tuesday's state title game, where they'll face region rival Frederica Academy for the third time this season.
It was a true team win, with five different players scoring goals. Head coach Ben Dombroski, now in his 15th season at St. Andrew's, was proud of how his team stayed focused and never gave up—even after giving up a goal in the first two minutes of the match.
"I think the girls all believe in themselves and believe in each other," Dombroski said. "We gave up that early goal, but responded within a minute. Then we fell behind again—and came right back again."
Junior Sage Lough got things started by scoring the first goal with a header off a corner kick from senior Gray Holmes. Dombroski praised her smart play all season. "Sage is a super intelligent forward," he said. "She’s not on any all-region teams, but she’s always in the right spot and makes smart passes and runs. She earned that goal."
Not long after, senior Sydney Berkman tied the game 2-2 with a powerful free kick from 30 yards out. "That goal was what the kids call a banger," Dombroski said. "Sydney is one of the few players—on our team or in Savannah—who can score a goal like that."
After halftime, junior Makenna Riley put the Lions ahead with a header on another corner from Holmes—her 15th goal of the season. Coach Donbroski stressed McKenna's play this season.
"MaKenna scored the third one, and she scored 15 this year—she's been our top scorer, and she's electric."
PHOTO: Makenna Riley (#17) of St. Andrew’s gets ready for a key header against John Milledge during the GIAA semifinal match. Photo by Prep Sports Report.
Two underclassmen from the Lions contributed the final two goals. Junior Orly Standing scored first, and Dombroski praised her hard work.
"Orly got one, and she's a full-time outside back. But in practice, she's been getting more forward time and working on technique, especially bouncing and headed balls. It paid off. She had a good half-volley, and it went off the underside of "the crossbar."
As the coach mentioned, sophomore Avery Nein finished things with a decisive one-on-one goal. "Avery scored the fifth goal for us. She beat the keeper one-on-one and converted it when we needed it."
Holmes was the playmaker throughout the season and game, delivering three corner-kick assists. "She puts it in the perfect spot almost every time," Dombroski said. "She set pieces have been big for us, and Gray's delivery gives us a real chance every time."
PHOTO: Gray Holmes (#14) sends in a strong pass during St. Andrew’s semifinal game against John Milledge. Photo by Prep Sports Report.
Goalkeeper junior Coco Carnahan also came up big this season and in the semifinal match. With returning goalkeeper senior Nadia Doscher (Montclair State Soccer signee) out recovering from shoulder surgery most of the season, Carnahan made two huge saves in the second half to protect the lead.
"Coco, this year's goalie has been fantastic. She's brilliant in one-on-one situations—she has an instinct for when to come out or stay back to make a save," stated Dombroski.
When asked about the Lions goalie's saves to keep the Lions ahead, he said, "On Friday, she had two big saves, tipping shots over the crossbar when it was still 3-2. She's saved us in tight spots in the game and throughout the season."
The Lions (9-5-2) will try to win their first title since reaching the final two years ago. Their opponent, Frederica Academy, beat the Lions twice this season—but the Lions are determined to flip the script.
"We know they're strong. They move the ball well and we'll have to stay sharp," said Dombroski. "But we believe. We know we'll get a few chances and we have to take them."
Dombroski explained that this was the last opportunity for seniors Berkman, Doscher, Holmes, and Sydney Mimms to bring a championship back home to the St. Andrew's community.
"It would mean everything," said Dombroski. "They've been part of this program for four years and have given so much to the sport and school. What a great opportunity to finish their careers with something special."
Kickoff is Tuesday (tonight, May 27, 2025), at 5 p.m. at Stratford Academy in Macon. The Lions are ready—and hungry for a title.
Photo credit: Prep Sports Report
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