By Stephen Peters
Staff Writer

The First Flight women’s soccer team hosted the Oscar Smith Tigers Saturday, April 13, in its first Project Purple game. Not only did the team get the win, 2-1, but the Lady Hawks payed homage to the 2008 state championship team as well.

“I had mixed feelings about the unveiling of the plaque, it seems so long ago that the last of the players on that team graduated two years ago,” FFHS women’s soccer head coach Mark Cross said.  “I hope it will become an inspiration to those who now take the challenge and those to follow.”

Before the game, the team took the time to unveil a plaque on the side of their clubhouse to honor the team of 2008. Some of the members of the 2008 team that attended the ceremony were Ashley Tallcott, Chelsea Orrel, Kelly Kenny and Whitney Brinkley.

“The plaque unveiled was really special, still knowing that our team will be remembered as the first (women’s soccer) state champions for FFHS and as of now the only (women’s soccer) state champions,” Brinkley said. “I wish more of the team could have been there though.”

While the 2008 championship run was impressive, hopes are high for the 2013 team.

“We have had a few teams since the championship team that not only came close but had the potential to make that run, including last year’s team,” Cross said. “Having just one starter returning from last year’s team, things looked a little sketchy on paper but this team has bonded like no other, I wouldn’t be shocked if before these kids graduate they go all the way.”

One of the top performers in the Project Purple game was sophomore Blair Flatt with 14 saves and only 1 goal scored against her. Other major contributors to the win were sophomore Jessica Wallace with 2 goals on assists from sophomore Nora Harrison and sophomore Mary Alice Blackstock.

“Blair was definitely our top performer. She came out and made some amazing saves,” junior and teammate Sarah Beacham said. “As for the game, we worked really well together as a team and played a very fast-paced, controlled game the whole time.”

The Project Purple game even influenced Oscar Smith to look into the Herren Project and its purpose.

“The Project Purple game was outstanding and perfect that we had Oscar Smith here to play,” Cross said. “They are not familiar with the Herren Project and Project Purple so the organizers were able to speak with them and I believe are going to make a trip to their school and talk more about it.”

Send comments to petersst1109@daretolearn.org