The 2026 Class AAAA girls' soccer state championship delivered a drama that will be remembered for years, as Bishop England and A.C. Flora battled to a 1-1 deadlock after 110 minutes of regulation and overtime before the contest was settled by a penalty shootout.
A Test of Stamina and Nerve
A.C. Flora struck first when junior forward Evan Dampier found the net in the early stages, putting the Falcons ahead 1-0. Bishop England answered back through Sophia DeMarco, whose equalizer forced the match into extra time and ultimately a penalty showdown.
Goalkeeper Kennedy Bagley emerged as the hero for Flora, producing a series of crucial saves that kept his side in contention and echoed his performances from the previous year's championship.
When the spot‑kicks were taken, Flora's composure shone through as they converted five of six attempts, while Bishop England's comeback fell short, resulting in a 5-3 victory for the Falcons.
Coach Linda Brady, who guided the Bishops through a season that ended with a 17-7 record, praised her team's effort and acknowledged the unpredictable nature of sport, expressing pride in the players' resilience despite the narrow defeat.
The triumph marks A.C. Flora's second consecutive state championship and underscores a season that featured a 13-game winning streak and a final record of 24-6, highlighting the program's sustained excellence.
What the Victory Means
For Flora, the back-to-back titles cement its status as a powerhouse in South Carolina girls' soccer and set a high bar for future campaigns. Bishop England, while falling short of its first championship since 2019, can take solace in a season that showcased depth, determination, and a bright outlook for the next generation of players.