House Concurrent Resolution 71

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2018 OCEAN SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL LADY GREYHOUNDS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH NEIL SCOTT UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 6A GIRLS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Ocean Springs High School Lady Greyhounds Soccer Team finished the 2018 season with their second state title in the school's history when they reigned victorious at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A Girls Soccer State Championship; and

WHEREAS, similar to the nimble, adept and powerful canines for which they are named, the Lady Greyhounds outpaced and overcame their opponents during the championship series, slaying the championship dreams of each of their foes on their way to the ultimate victory; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, the Lady Greyhounds Soccer Team outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered the Madison Central High School Jaguars in a 1-0 win after two scoreless halves and a 30-minute overtime period that left fans on the edge of their seats until the energized penalty kicks produced the lone goal and victory for the Greyhounds; and

WHEREAS, as many veterans of the game have said, "defense wins championships," this age-old saying defined the immaculate strategy and skill of the Greyhounds defense, whose grit, fortitude and determination erected a stone wall that helped secure each of the playoff wins as well as the championship victory, while the dedication and athletic prowess of the offensive players helped them become game changers during the championship match, ensuring the revered title returned to the Oceans Springs trophy case for only the second time; and

WHEREAS, with only goose eggs to show for 120 minutes of play, Ocean Springs entered the penalty kick phase with their heads held high, and prior to the game winner, Mallory Bellon, Makenzie Ezell, Ameris Taylor, Erin Clifford, Kaylee Foster, Loren Winters and Kinsley Harmon made good on their penalty kicks; and

WHEREAS, when the Ocean Springs goalie A'leigh Coleman stopped the last shot by Madison Central, the Greyhounds knew that this was their chance at victory, so the team put all of their hopes and dreams into the foot of their only kicker left, eighth grader Jackie Dilorenzo; and

WHEREAS, the team and onlookers alike waited with bated breath as Jackie's ball breezed past the Madison Central goalie to make the ultimate contact with the net, and when the final signal was made, the tears began to flow, the screams could be heard from miles away, the hugs were plentiful and the Ocean Springs High School Lady Greyhounds raised their well-deserved trophy high in the air and relished in their hard-fought victory; and

WHEREAS, the 2018 Greyhound team statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding headers, strikes, penalty kicks and goals by individual players, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the Greyhounds have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Neil Scott, who has broadened their knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and also helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, Coach Scott continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in his ability to produce high caliber players and plays and the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student athletes, especially those such as the Ocean Springs High School Lady Greyhounds Soccer Team, whose excellence on the pitch and in the classroom bring honor to their school, the Ocean Springs community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2018 Ocean Springs High School Lady Greyhounds Soccer Team and Head Coach Neil Scott upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A Girls Soccer State Championship and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Neil Scott and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.