BROOKHAVEN — A late goal by Su Tate wearing a number 3 jersey gave Brookhaven Academy a 3-2 win over the Hattiesburg Forerunners Tuesday night. The victory kicked off the season in a test for the Cougars.

Brookhaven Academy went into halftime with a 2-0 lead but gave up an early goal in the opening six minutes of the second half. Hattiesburg then scored a second goal on a penalty kick before the 20 minute hydration break to level the game. 

A corner kick with about 15 minutes left in the game proved to be the decisive play. Mallory Martin played a ball into the box which was headed on to goal by Reagan Fortenberry and the ball fell to Tate who redirected the ball into the side netting.

“It felt good. Regan hit it and I was just at the right place at the right time,” Tate said. “This is my first year playing.” 

Her first goal for the squad was a game winner. The sophomore plays basketball and was in Head Coach Alex Brown’s Spanish class last year. She decided to give the game of soccer a try this year because several of her friends play. 

Her best friend on the team is Mary Anson Tate, her twin sister. Mary Anson is also playing soccer for the first time. Su said they play everything together including basketball, which she started playing in fifth grade. 

Brown said the addition of the Tate twins is huge for the team. He knows they are good basketball athletes who could contribute on the pitch. Su and Mary Anson will need some time to learn the rules of soccer but can help the team. 

“They compliment each other and have already made an immediate impact tonight,” Brown said. “With the help of my assistant coach, we were able to give the Tate twins some guidance. Both are playing attacking midfielder or winger.” 

Su said soccer will help her play basketball and be physically fit due to the running. 

Brookhaven Academy’s creative midfielder Martin opened the scoring with a free kick about two minutes into the game. Camille Calcote doubled the lead when Fortenberry took a shot and the rebound fell to Calcote’s feet. 

Brown told the team after the game he was happy with the way they battled back in the last 20 minutes. Hattiesburg gave the Cougars a tough test as they were tough to break down in the final third and threatened on the counter attack. BA is working towards a third district championship this year and hopes to make a run in the playoffs. 

“We won’t slip up on anyone this year. We are doing our best to make a run in the playoffs this year,” Brown said. “Our goal is to get to the semi-finals, there is a long way between now and then. We will have to beat some good teams to do it. They gave us a good test tonight.”