BENICIA HIGH’S girls soccer program honored its seniors before Tuesday’s regular-season finale against American Canyon. Seniors pictured are (back row from left) Esperanza Chavez, Kamlynne Fontan, Sara Hingley, Kaela Thyrion, Hannah Church; (front row) Brandy Caffey, Tatiana Soglin, Abigail Heuschel and Tayla Rund.

Benicia High’s girls varsity soccer team celebrated Senior Night on Tuesday by defeating visiting American Canyon, 1-0, to capture its eighth straight Solano County Athletic Conference championship.

The Lady Panthers, who needed at least a tie to clinch the league crown, got the win when Katie Lovelace scored off a throw-in with 22 minutes remaining. Senior Brandy Caffey took the throw-in well down the line deep in American Canyon territory and launched a laser into the Lady Wolves box. Lovelace was there and calmly redirected the ball into the net for the game-winning goal.

“I’ve been practicing those throw-ins and hoping someone would score,” Caffey said. “I think (American Canyon) was a little surprised I could throw it that far.”

“We’ve been working on that all season and this was the first time it worked,” Lovelace said.

Benicia (11-6-2, 7-1-2 SCAC) nearly gave the lead away with eight minutes remaining. Some miscommunication between two Benicia defenders allowed the ball to slip through to American Canyon junior striker Jessica McGuire for a breakaway. McGuire, however, nearly whiffed on her shot, which trickled harmlessly past the net.

“I was finally able to take a deep breath,” said Benicia head coach Javier Martinez after the final whistle. “I’m glad we didn’t settle for the tie and this gives us some momentum for the playoffs.”

Benicia earned the No. 1 seed and a home game for the upcoming Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs, which begin next Tuesday. After playing several must-win games en route to the SCAC championship, the Lady Panthers feel battle tested.

“There was a lot of pressure and I was shaking for a little bit, but once we got going it got better,” said senior defender Kaela Thyrion. “We’re definitely in playoff mode and I think we’re ready.”

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