Maddie Hayes’ free kick goal from 20 yards out led the girls soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Houston Stratford for the 6A Division II state championship Saturday at Georgetown’s Birkelbach Field.

Hayes’ 18th goal of the season came with just over 33 minutes in the second half.  Hayes was named the games’ Most Valuable Player.

Led by senior goalie Aubrey Tipton, Marcus (19-4-3) didn’t allow a goal in the playoffs and posted 13 shutouts this season.

Tipton, who will play for Mary Hardin-Baylor next year, had two saves against Stratford, including a one-on-one save which prevented Stratford (22-3-3) from striking first.

Entering the game, Stratford had won 19 straight games, posted 18 shutouts this season, and scored an average of 5.25 goals while only allowing 0.51 goals.

This is the girls soccer team’s second title in three seasons.  The Lady Marauders previously won the state crown in 2023 and 2005.