UNDATED – For the fifth straight season, the Harrisburg Tigers are ending their girls’ soccer campaign as state champions, defeating Pierre T.F. Riggs 2-0 on Saturday at the Allen Mitchell Athletic Complex in Watertown.

While the first half was scoreless, the Tigers controlled possession and applied constant pressure. Pierre goalkeeper Emlyn Swanson kept the Governors in the match, recording a state championship game–record 12 saves. But Harrisburg finally broke through late in the second half, scoring twice to secure the victory.

“I’ve got to give a lot of credit to Pierre as well. They played us really tough,” Harrisburg head coach Kamryn Miller said. “They played us tough in the regular season as well, and they have a fantastic team. They’re young, they’re going to be good for years to come—so all the credit to them.”

With eight seniors on the roster, the Tigers leaned on their leadership, composure, and experience to finish off another championship run.

“Our girls all year have been working toward a game like today,” Miller said. “We’ve fought through a lot of different things. We’re a totally different team than we were last year—new formation, new goal scorers, a totally new backline. These girls were able to adjust really well. I’m just so proud of how they’ve come together, and this is the best I’ve seen them play all year.”

With the win, Harrisburg ties West Central for the most girls’ state championships in sanctioned soccer history with five.

In the Boys Class AA championship, Sioux Falls Lincoln defeated Watertown 2-1.

Elsewhere,

James Valley Christian defeated Hot Springs 4-0 on Saturday at the Allen Mitchell Athletic Complex in Watertown to win its second consecutive Class A boys soccer state championship.

And, in an all-time classic between two rivals, Dakota Valley defeated Sioux Falls Christian 2-1 on Saturday evening at the Allen Mitchell Athletic Complex in Watertown to claim the program’s first state girls soccer title.