Sherwood Christian Defeats Holy Spirit Prep Behind Four Goals From Allie Hemmings

ALBANY — On a night filled with playoff intensity, record-breaking moments and emotional celebration, the Sherwood Christian Academy Lady Eagles kept their season alive behind the brilliant performance of senior star Allie Hemmings.

Hemmings scored four goals Tuesday night to lead Sherwood Christian to a 5-3 victory over Holy Spirit Prep Academy in the opening round of the GIAA state playoffs at Legacy Field adjacent to Sherwood Christian Academy.

The win sends the Lady Eagles into the next round of the playoffs, where they will travel to Watkinsville on May 14 to face Westminster Christian.

For first-year head coach Tessa Bell, the victory reflected the chemistry and growth her team has developed throughout the season.

“We worked as a team and the girls played the whole field and had great communication,” Bell said.

Sherwood’s offense came alive early behind Hemmings, who repeatedly attacked the net and delivered one of the finest performances of her career on one of the biggest nights of the season.

Savannah Postlewaite added another goal for the Lady Eagles, while goalkeeper Sarah Dampier kept Sherwood in control with 13 saves against a determined Holy Spirit Prep attack.

But Tuesday night became about much more than just advancing in the playoffs.

At halftime, Sherwood Christian honored Hemmings after the senior broke two of the school’s most prestigious soccer records.

Hemmings surpassed Jordan Paramore’s career goals record that had stood for more than a decade while also breaking the single-season goals record previously held by Molly Kate McLaren.

The emotional ceremony added another layer to an already unforgettable evening for the senior standout.

“The last match at SCA was an unforgettable night,” Hemmings said. “It was amazing to see the team work so well together and watch how we were able to connect and come together as a team. I am proud of our team tonight and so thankful for each girl.”

Hemmings said the milestone moments were about far more than personal accomplishments.

“The Lord has been so gracious and He has given me so many amazing opportunities, and I would not be able to do anything without Him,” she said. “It was a special night that I will forever cherish. I am so blessed to have had such wonderful coaches, teammates and my family to help me along the way.”

The daughter of Scot and Amy Hemmings, Allie will continue her soccer career at South Georgia State College, where she will join her sister, Addie Hemmings, who signed with the school last year.

“I am so beyond excited to play with her in the fall,” Hemmings said. “It will be so special to step on the field with her again, and I am thrilled to play at South Georgia. I love all of the girls on the team and the next few years are going to be amazing.”

Sherwood Christian’s postseason run will continue next Thursday in Watkinsville, while the Sherwood Christian boys soccer team — which earned a first-round bye — will host Westminster of Watkinsville at 6 p.m. Thursday at Legacy Field.