In a dramatic regular season finale, the Fayetteville Bulldogs beat Bentonville in penalty kicks.
"Just beating Bentonville," Fayetteville senior Gabbie Foster said. "We've worked so hard for this, and we've just never been more happy. This is what we've been working for all season long, this game right here. I'm so proud of everybody. We just played our hearts out. This is what we wanted, and it's what we got."
It was the first time any current Bulldog has defeated the Tigers, and gives them a share of the conference title.
"That's the crazy thing," Fayetteville coach Joe Thoma said. "Five years back here, this is the first time we've beat them. We've gone to penalties with them four times now. They've had some really special players and teams, but this group is really special."
The win over the Tigers gives Fayetteville the No. 1 seed in the state tournament. It also puts the Tigers on the other side of the bracket, leaving a chance for a rematch.
"I would love to meet Fayetteville again," Bentonville senior Megan Kalinowski said. "I don't really care who we play, just as long as we come out on top."
The Tigers have been the 7A state champions three out of the last four years, losing in the semi-finals a year ago.
"The mindset of there are no more easy games,' Bentonville coach Kris Henry said. "I think that's what they have to take away from this. This is the time to be on top of our game."
Both these teams are going to be battling to come out on top, and make it to that state title game. The 7A state title game will be played May 20th at 10 a.m. at the University of Arkansas.