Altman, Cazzavillan Hat Tricks Propel St. John Paul II Past Cherokee County in 4A Girls Soccer Semifinal

HUNTSVILLE, AL – Scoring a hat trick in high school soccer remains a rare feat, but St. John Paul II Catholic’s Falcons witnessed two players accomplish it in the same game Wednesday night. Sophomore Lauren Altman and senior Ella Cazzavillan both recorded three goals each as the Falcons secured a dominant 9-0 victory over Cherokee County in the Class 4A girls’ semifinal match at John Hunt Soccer Park.

St. John Paul II (18-1-2), led by head coach Sam Bennett, advanced to the Class 4A girls’ state finals on Friday. They will face St. Luke’s Episcopal (16-6-0) from Mobile, who overcame Westminster-Oak Mountain 7-1 in the other semifinal of the AHSAA 34th State Soccer Championships. The championship match is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

The Falcons wasted no time asserting their dominance. Alexandra Jodon scored the opening goal just 11 minutes into the match, followed three minutes later by Jessi O’Brien to make it 2-0. Altman then delivered two quick goals, within a six-minute stretch, extending the lead and assisting Cazzavillan’s first goal just a minute later. Altman completed her hat trick at the 35:33 mark, giving St. John Paul II a commanding 7-0 lead by halftime.

The second half saw Cazzavillan shine, netting two goals in quick succession. She also set up Brianna Dorsett’s final goal before Bennett rotated in the reserves for the remainder of the match.

St. John Paul II showed their offensive prowess with 20 shots on goal while completely stifling Cherokee County (10-7-0), who failed to register a single shot on target. Eighth-grade goalkeeper Cali Martin recorded 11 saves, ensuring her team shut out their opponent to full time.

With such a resounding victory, the Falcons are poised to carry their momentum into the state championship game.

FEATURED IMAGE: St. John Paul II’s Ella Cazzavillan  (15) scored three goals in the Falcons’ semifinal win. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)