CFCA Clinches Back-to-Back GIAA AA Titles
The 20-2-1 Lady Lancers have defeated Westminster Christian Academy 2-1 to earn their second GIAA State Championship in two years
MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – On May 11, 2024, the Lady Lancers of Central Fellowship Christian Academy claimed the GIAA AA girls soccer state championship with a 2-1 victory over Westminster Christian Academy at Stratford Academy.
The win marked CFCA’s second title in as many years and a measure of redemption against a familiar opponent. Just two years earlier, Westminster had dashed CFCA’s title hopes in the postseason despite CFCA holding the top seed.
This year, the No. 1 seed Lady Lancers (20-2-1) once again met No. 2 seed Westminster — a team they had already beaten twice in the past year — and secured a third consecutive victory over their rivals in dramatic fashion.
Junior goalkeeper Emory Andrews made several critical saves to keep CFCA in the game early. Despite multiple scoring attempts from both sides, the match remained scoreless through the first half.
The breakthrough came in the second half when a lead pass found Layla Wagner, whose blocked shot deflected right to sophomore striker Lois Tanner. Tanner capitalized, driving the ball into the bottom right corner to put the Lady Lancers up 1-0.
Ten minutes later, a push in the box on a failed corner kick led to a penalty kick for CFCA. Tanner stepped up once again and delivered, scoring her second goal of the day with another well-placed strike to the same corner.
Westminster responded in the 61st minute to cut the lead to 2-1, but the Lady Lancers held on. Despite a potential third goal called back due to an offside ruling, CFCA’s defense and composure sealed the win.
With the victory, CFCA head coach Teddy Tanner secured his third state title in four years — a personal and professional milestone that held special significance.
“We haven’t always had this much success,” said Tanner. “I’ve been at CFCA during some tough years, but now we’ve got girls who work hard, compete, and have talent. It’s just a huge blessing. We profit from our labors — they work hard, and we profit.”
Tanner also reflected on the emotional side of the win, noting the personal connection he shares with many of his players.
“My only senior is my niece, and my daughter plays for me too,” he said. “So to have my family involved — my nieces, my daughter — it just means a lot. It’s special, and I want to work hard for them.”
His daughter, sophomore Lois Tanner, was the hero of the day with both CFCA goals. She credited her teammates for the win and dedicated the performance to her cousin and team captain, Avery Queen, who played her final game as a senior.
“It feels great,” Lois Tanner said. “The first half was tense, but once we got that first goal, everything felt better. I’m proud of how hard our team worked — we did it for each other, and especially for Avery. We wanted to win it for her.”
With a strong core of juniors returning and rising talent in place, CFCA looks poised to contend once again next season. For now, though, the Lady Lancers will celebrate a hard-earned and emotional back-to-back championship.
