ROUND ROCK — Mila Van Loggerenberg was in fifth grade when the Bishop Lynch women's soccer team began its run of four consecutive state tournament appearances. Fast forward to yesterday morning, and the freshman delivered the golden goal in overtime of the state championship, lifting the Friars to a 1-0 victory over St. Agnes at the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex and securing Bishop Lynch's first title since 2019.
"What an incredible game. Just an absolute team effort today, and what a way to win this state championship," Director of Athletics Alex Cantillo stated minutes after the victory. "An overtime goal, after battling through full time against a great St. Agnes team and a day earlier against a great Ursuline team — these ladies define our culture. Tough, gritty, resilient. Winning it in that fashion is what makes this one so special."
Over the past four seasons, the Friars experienced their share of heartbreak in the state tournament, but the foundation built by those teams ultimately helped Bishop Lynch climb back to the top of TAPPS Division I.
"It's hard to put into words what winning the state title means," stated Head Coach Michael Dawdy. "This is my fifth year as the head coach of Bishop Lynch Women's Soccer program, and over the last four years, we've consistently put ourselves in position to compete for a state championship—reaching the State Cup each season and even playing in the state final in 2024.
The journey of those years makes this title even more meaningful. This championship is a testament to the program's regrowth and the standards that have been built over time. The players who came before helped lay the foundation, setting the expectation of what Bishop Lynch Women's Soccer should look like. Because of their work, belief, and commitment, this group finally won our last game."
The championship match quickly turned into a survival-of-the-fittest battle. Neither side was able to establish much rhythm offensively, with both defenses limiting quality opportunities throughout regulation.
With both teams looking like they were playing in mud after 80 minutes of championship soccer — less than 24 hours after winning semifinal matches — the title would ultimately be decided by grit and determination.
During the 10-minute break between the end of regulation and overtime, the Friars dug deep and found that extra bit of energy. The leadership of players who had been so close in previous seasons helped flip the team's energy.
Just four minutes into the golden-goal overtime period, Van Loggerenberg received a throw-in from Kat Williamson and made a strong move toward the end line. Her cross into the box floated over the defense and into the back of the net, securing the state championship for the Friars.
"My goal was a team effort," Van Loggerenberg said after the match. "It was proof of all our hard work, trust, and teamwork that we put in throughout the entire season."
The celebration with the team, fans, and friends was something out of a movie. Jumping, laughing, crying, hugging, all of the hard work and effort from everyone involved made this one special.
"I'm incredibly proud of this team and grateful for everyone who has played a role in building this program from the players, current and past, the coaching staff, the parents, and the school. Once a Friar, always a Friar, and now once again a state champion," Dawdy said with a huge smile on his face.
The Road to the Title
The day before, the Friars had to conquer a demon of their own in Ursuline Academy. The three-time defending state champions had eliminated Bishop Lynch in each of the past two postseasons, including in a penalty-kick shootout last year and earlier this season.
After trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Friars flipped the switch with a thrilling comeback led by two goals from senior forward Leticia Arellano.
The first came on a set piece from Serenity Collins, who floated a perfect ball into the box that Arellano finished with her knee to tie the match at 1-1.
Later, after earning a corner kick, Emma Soignier placed the ball on the back post, where Madison Murphy headed it back into the middle of the box. Arellano was there waiting and buried the finish past the keeper to give the Friars the lead.
Bishop Lynch held off the Bears over the final twenty minutes with strong defensive play from the back line and midfield, along with key saves from Friar goalkeeper Brianna Gonzalez.
Captains Corner: What does this state championship mean to you?
"To me, this championship meant fighting through adversity and leaning on each other as teammates. Even when things didn't seem to go our way, we kept pushing, believing in ourselves, and everything worked out," said Iyana Axson.
"This championship proves that all of our hard work this year truly paid off. We've been building toward this moment for the past four years, and it means everything to finish my journey with a ring. This team means the world to me," said Madison Murphy.
"As a senior, I never would've thought that four years later I'd be a state champion. This journey has been incredible, and I'm extremely grateful for my teammates who have become some of my best friends. We fought our hardest to the very end and got what we deserved," said Emma Soignier.
All three captains made the 2026 TAPPS All-Tournament team, with teammate and fellow senior Leticia Arellano joining them.
Congratulations to Leticia Arellano, Iyana Axson, Kate Bridgewater, Kaci Cole, Serenity Collins, Audrey Farley, Sofia Hooks, Georgia Josselyn, Ana Julia Kessler, Charli Koldyke, Anjali Mascarenhas, Stella Molina, Madison Murphy, Ofure Obasuyi, Rhye Pfeil, Penelope Puckett, Brianna Rosales, Bailey Sanders, Emma Soignier, Mila Van Loggerenberg, and Kat Williamson on cementing their place in Bishop Lynch history and capturing the school's 109th state championship.
After four straight state tournament appearances and several heartbreaking finishes, the Friars finally returned to the top of TAPPS Division I. This time, it was a freshman who delivered the moment Bishop Lynch had been waiting for.
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