THE St John the Evangelist Catholic High School senior girls football side have recently returned from claiming silver at the NSWCCC football knockout competition, held at Valentine Sports Park.
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After qualifying for the state's top four by defeating Penrith's Xavier College Penrith 4-nil in the quarter-finals, Josh Watson's side was pitted Freeman College at Greenwood.
In a tight first half, year eight goalkeeper Anna Simon kept the opposition at bay before St John's skipper Olivia Delahenty scored just before the break, to give the Nowra side a 1-nil advantage at half-time.
In the second half, St John's really put the pressure on Freeman College, thanks to an early goal from Casey Johnson - making it 2-nil.
Despite Freeman College responding with a goal of their own, strikes from Ella Munro and Kaitlyn Sennitt ensured St Johns' victory (4-1) and progression into the grand final.
In the decider, Watson's side squared off against Newcastle's St Francis Hamilton.
The match was again played in hot conditions, compounded by the fact St John's were playing without Delahenty and Jessie Abbot - who were forced home to complete their HSC drama performances.
Despite the changes, St John's had the majority of possession and chances to score in first half but an unfortunate handball inside their penalty error handed St Francis a spot kick - one they made the most of, to go into the break up 1-nil.
Despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Simon, defenders Zoe Anderson and Jasmine Tan and right winger Casey Johnson, St Francis scored a second goal with 10 minutes, to go up 2-nil.
But St John's never gave up and played right until the very end - seeing Sennitt peg a goal back for the Nowra-based side.
Despite Watson's side chasing an equaliser in the final minutes, they ran out of time - as St Francis were crowned at state champions.
During the state knockout, Watson's silver medal winning team featured Tara Bailey, Zoe Anderson, Zali Everingham, Casey Johnson, Anna Simon, Ella Munro, Ella Simon, Niamh Murphy, Jessie Abbot Olivia Delahenty, Yasmin Willis, Kaitlyn Sennitt, Jasmine Tan, Charlotte Ryan, Skyla Kowe and Taniesha Angelkovski.