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Oxford’s Jane Irwin (10) kicks the ball past Clinton’s Ruby Acy (8) to score in the 2nd minute of an MHSAA Class 7A girls soccer playoff match in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Oxford won 2-1. (©Bruce Newman)

Oxford’s Sonia Sandoval, center, celebrates her second half goal against Clinton in MHSAA Class 7A girls soccer playoff action in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Oxford won 2-1. (©Bruce Newman)

Oxford players celebrate their win over Clinton in MHSAA Class 7A girls soccer playoff action in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Oxford won 2-1. (©Bruce Newman)

Oxford’s Kate Nordstrom (4) and Clinton’s Carly Howell (10) vie for the ball in MHSAA Class 7A girls soccer playoff action in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Oxford won 2-1. (©Bruce Newman)

Oxford’s Caroline Love (11) takes the ball upfield between Clinton’s Ruby Acy (8) and Taylor Robinson (15) in MHSAA Class 7A girls soccer playoff action in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Oxford won 2-1. (©Bruce Newman)

By Bruce Newman

Oxford avenged an early season loss to Clinton with a 2-1 win over the Arrows in the Mississippi High School Activities Association’s Class 7A girls soccer playoffs on Saturday evening at Oxford Middle School.

Oxford got on the scoreboard early when Jane Irwin took a pass from Madison Strum from outside the box and scored from about 12 yards out in the 2nd minute. Clinton had a chance to tie the score in the 13th minute after Oxford was whistled for a penalty for a hand ball in the box, but Charger freshman goalkeeper Reagan Arnoldi batted down the penalty kick.

The score would remain 1-0 until the 72nd minute when Sonia Sandoval netted a goal from the right side of the net following a free kick, giving the Chargers a 2-0 lead.

Clinton’s Emily Fortenberry scored with about a minute remaining to make the score 2-1 but Oxford was able to control the ball the rest of the match to earn the win.

The Chargers, now 18-2-2 on the season and winners of 13 straight matches, will face Tupelo at home on Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. with the winner advancing to the state title game on Saturday at Ridgeland High School. Tupelo defeated Oxford 3-2 earlier in the season on November 19.

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