White House downed in semifinals

MURFREESBORO White House High’s girls soccer team matched its deepest postseason run in school history, but that mark will have to stay tied another year.

Greeneville broke Thursday’s Class A-AA state semifinal match open with four goals in the second half, handing the Lady Devils a 5-1 loss at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex.

Three things from Thursday’s semifinal loss:

A quick answer

Although Greeneville controlled play most of the first half and netted the opening goal, White House came out firing in the second half and junior Madisson Davis tied the match just 1:22 into the second half.

Moments later, Madeline Hargrove had an opportunity to give the Lady Devils a lead, but her shot hit squarely off the crossbar and stayed out.

“There was an opportunity where we hit a crossbar right after (Davis’ goal),” Felzien said. “That could have changed the whole momentum of this game. Whether we ran out of gas, I’m not so sure. We were exhausted, for sure, but I’m not so sure I’m going to pin it all on that.”

Smelling blood

Greenville’s experience – the Lady Greene Devils had seven seniors – took hold after Hargrove’s shot hit the crossbar, and the defending champions jumped on the opportunity less than 10 minutes later, taking the lead for good.

“We knew we were in for a good match,” White House head coach Mike Felzien said. “Accomplishing what they’ve accomplished thus far this season and last season, it’s great to see where we are against a measuring stick for one of the elite programs and I think we’re right there with them.”

Greeneville scored three goals in the final 15 minutes to add insurance, cementing the Lady Greene Devils’ place in the state championship match for the second consecutive season.

Lone senior

Defender Sara McGregor played her final match in a White House uniform, being the lone senior on the Lady Devils’ squad.

Only five juniors made up White House’s roster, with 10 sophomores and six freshmen. The postseason provided plenty of experience.

“Being able, with this young crew, to experience state and hopefully get that motivation to work harder in the offseason,” Felzien said, “you know they’ll want to be back.”

And, if White House does return next season, McGregor – who was a part of 61 victories in four years – plans on being there.

“I’d just like to see them come back here to state and finish that game,” McGregor said. “And I’ll be back here to watch them, definitely.”

Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @CB_SumnerSports, and on Snapchat @cbrooksgne.