Girls high school soccer: Episcopal reaches 1st state championship game

The Episcopal girls soccer team will play for a state championship.

The Eagles stunned top-seeded Ransom Everglades 3-1 in the Class 2A state semifinals on Thursday night to move into Saturday’s championship game. Episcopal (14-5-3) will face Palm Beach Benjamin (10-5-3) at 7 p.m. at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand.

The Eagles had never won a final four game until Thursday night, losing in trips in 2004 and ‘07.

Now, they’re one win away from bringing home a title.

Rivers Carney nailed a penalty kick in the first half, Lila Ranalli put Episcopal up on a free kick 55 minutes in and Charlotte Ritter hit the second PK with six minutes to play to deliver the Eagles and head coach Jay Bolt a spot in the finals.

Saturday has shaped up to be a massive day for local soccer teams. St. Johns Country Day will play Pine at 1 p.m. for its 15th state championship in Class 1A. The St. Joseph boys face Pine at 10 a.m. for the 1A crown. And Episcopal will bring down the curtain on the season in the finale at 7 p.m.