A house RESOLUTION

 

TO SALUTE THE A.C. FLORA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER TEAM ON ITS SCINTILLATING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THE TEAM'S ATHLETES AND COACHES ON THEIR EXCITING WIN OF THE 2025 CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

 

Whereas, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, Head Coach Eric Navarro watched his A.C. Flora High School girls soccer players climb to the top of the mountain at the 2025 Class AAAA State Championship game. Both coach and players found the view exhilarating. The Lady Falcons, competing at Columbia's Memorial Stadium, defeated Bishop England 1-0, to the cheers of elated Flora fans; and

 

Whereas, history was going to be made the day of the Class AAAA girls soccer title match. On one side was Bishop England, seeking its thirteenth state title, which, if captured, would tie Riverside for the most in girls soccer. Standing in the way was A.C. Flora, looking to win the program's first-ever title; and

 

Whereas, thanks to a timely header by sophomore Samantha Lawther and stout defense from goalkeeper Kennedy Bagley, the Lady Falcons defeated the Lady Bishops, made school history, and took home an impressive new trophy for their display case; and

 

Whereas, it was a scoreless contest through the first fifty-eight minutes. With a corner kick, senior Emma Valdes timed the ball with Lawther's position to allow her to make the timely hit into the net. With Bagley's eleven saves and the Lady Falcons' frontline keeping the Lady Bishops at bay, Flora finished the season with eight straight shutouts; and

 

Whereas, the championship came in Coach Navarro's second season. The Barnwell grad took over the program after spending several years as the Lady Falcons' JV coach and varsity assistant. Flora had enjoyed success over the past seven years, not losing a region match, but just couldn't get over the hump to make it to the state championship. That changed this year as they won a program-best twenty-seven matches, rolled through the regular season, and turned in a dominating defensive performance in the playoffs. The Lady Falcons didn't allow a goal in five playoff matches, outscoring their opponents 24-0. Flora finished the season with a 27-2 record; and

 

Whereas, the journey to winning the state title required discipline, dedication, and teamwork, qualities that always will serve these young women well, both on and off the soccer field. With admiration, the House recognizes and applauds the outstanding work of the A.C. Flora High School girls soccer team and wishes its members much continued success in all their future endeavors. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, salute the A.C. Flora High School girls soccer team on its scintillating season and congratulate the team's athletes and coaches on their exciting win of the 2025 Class AAAA State Championship title.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Susan Childs and Head Coach Eric Navarro of A.C. Flora High School.

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