Freshman Aliya Saad reportedly scored the decisive goal before half-time, finishing one of Country Day’s best attacking moves. Her goal gave the Yellowjackets the platform they needed and reportedly secured the program’s first state title since 2021.
Saad told reporters she was especially pleased to deliver for the senior players who will not return next season. The freshman also viewed the moment as a standard-setter for the rest of her Country Day career.
The result highlighted a team capable of combining youthful attacking energy with the composure required in a state final.
Country Day’s back line made the lead stand up. The report says the Yellowjackets allowed only one attempt all afternoon, and that effort did not test their goalkeeper.
Coach Laura Hamway praised her team’s creativity, numbers in attack and organisation without the ball. She also singled out defender Jenna Shaban, whose communication reportedly helped maintain the defensive shape.
Shaban credited the group’s work rate and collective communication, describing the championship as the best moment of her career while stressing the importance of the daily experience shared with her teammates.
West Catholic reportedly changed its shape after the interval, searching for a way to unsettle Country Day. Late deliveries from freshman midfielder Lexy Druelle offered a final opening, but the Falcons still could not create a shot on target.
Country Day will now look to carry its defensive discipline into next season, while West Catholic faces the task of finding more attacking solutions. Saad’s emergence and the departures of Country Day’s seniors will shape the next chapter.