House Resolution 62

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL "COMMODORES" GIRLS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH MELINDA SCRUGGS FOR WINNING THE 2025 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Lafayette High School "Commodores" Girls Soccer Team has claimed the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship, securing the program's fifth state title with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Florence High School on February 17, 2025; and

WHEREAS, led by longtime Head Coach Melinda Scruggs, the Lady Commodores exhibited extraordinary skill, determination and teamwork, overcoming the heartbreak of the previous season's championship loss to Florence and avenging their defeat with a hard-fought win; and

WHEREAS, the championship match, held at Germantown High School, showcased the Lady Commodores' resilience as they fought through regulation and three overtime periods before ultimately prevailing in a penalty shootout, where senior goalkeeper Andrea Rhea made three crucial saves, including the final stop that sealed the victory and earned her the title of game MVP; and

WHEREAS, after trailing 1-0 at halftime, Lafayette roared back in the second half as freshman Rivers Rikard scored two quick goals — one off a rebound and the other a perfectly executed header — giving the Lady Commodores a 2-1 lead before Florence equalized late in regulation; and

WHEREAS, despite Florence controlling much of the possession and outshooting Lafayette 16-7, the Lady Commodores' defensive unit, anchored by Rhea's outstanding goalkeeping, held strong, setting the stage for their success in penalty kicks; and

WHEREAS, in the decisive shootout, Lafayette relied on its preparation and confidence, with Caroline Perkins and Lizah Holland converting critical penalty shots before Rhea's heroics secured the championship; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Commodores completed their remarkable season with an 18-7 overall record, a testament to their hard work, perseverance and belief in one another; and

WHEREAS, throughout the season, the Lafayette High School Girls Soccer Team benefited from the unwavering support of their assistant coaches, school administration, faculty, families and an enthusiastic community, all of whom played an integral role in their success; and

WHEREAS, the championship Lady Commodores' team consists of the following dynamic athletes: Drea Rhea, Sawyer Smith, Leah Cooper, Avery Lewis, Allie Flanders, Caroline Thacker, Sara Bradley Ewing, Molly Rikard, Riley Smith, J'Kiah Cohran, Brystal Davis, Lizah Holland, Rivers Rikard, Caroline Perkins, Abbie Britt, Ella Perkins, Conner Eifling and Kylee-Jo Hicks; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Commodores have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Melinda Scruggs, Assistant Coaches Lance McGregor, Sydney Stephen, Katelin Johnson, Caitlyn Rhea and Ashely Jones, and Manager Wendy Lopez, who have broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, in their tireless dedication, the Lady Commodores have developed a winning, cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitudes reflect great credit upon the individual players and the entire coaching staff; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the accomplishments of student-athletes, especially those such as the Lafayette High School "Commodores" Girls Soccer Team, whose hard work, dedication and excellence on the field brings honor to Lafayette High School, their community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Lafayette High School "Commodores" Girls Soccer Team and Head Coach Melinda Scruggs for winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship and extend best wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Lafayette High School Head Coach Melinda Scruggs on behalf of the members of the Commodores Girls Soccer Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.