History was written Thursday night when not just one but two Fresno Christian athletic teams snagged wins in round two of state playoffs. The Fresno Christian Girls Soccer team has never survived round one of state playoffs, let alone made it to the final Regional State Championships. The Lady Eagles traveled to Fresno Pacific University to play Petaluma High School since their own field was water logged. After two tension-filled halves, the girls pull out the win in the Div. IV, NorCal State Semi-Finals, 1-0, March 6.
With a collaborative effort on all parts, Senior Abigail Herren left it all out on the field, scoring the game winning goal in the first half.
Freshman Trinity Bannister is a force to be reckoned with in the goal box from dives and catches to blocking an offensive penalty kick from Petaluma. This is her fourth shutout game in a row after enduring a hospitalized concussion along with a current broken finger. Bannister is amazed by the success this team experienced this season.
“As a freshman, making that PK save was a huge moment, I just trusted my instincts and focused on keeping us ahead,” Bannister said. “Winning this game and moving on means everything to us, and I could not have asked for a better team to do it with.”
Coach Matt Markarian has never made it to a state semi-finals, much less advance to the championships, in his 31 years of coaching. Tears filled his eyes as his team celebrated the monumental win.
“Best birthday present ever,” Markarian said. “I’ve never been more proud of you, this is awesome!”
Basketball
As the soccer game came to a close, the FC gym filled with people and anticipation for the boys basketball game against Ramona High School for round two of the CIF, Division IV SoCal State Playoffs. Many fans from the soccer game rushed to the basketball court to cheer on their Eagles.
After their triumphant victory at Selland Arena for Valley Championships, the FC boys basketball team has been on fire. Being placed in the number one seed has provided the home court advantage to the team for the first two rounds.
The Eagles put up an amazingly hard fight against the Rams, trailing only a few points behind their opponents for the entire game. Ramona forged ahead in the fourth quarter, pulling off an eleven-point lead against FC.
The Eagles knew this was not going to be the end of their story, their legacy. Through joint effort, teamwork and incredible determination, the boys tied up the game. With less than 20 seconds left on the clock, junior Devin Gaines powered to the hoop for the game-winning point. This astonishing play also marked Gaines’ 1,000 career point.
Reaching 1,000 points during his junior year is a testament to Gaines’ dedication and skill on the court.
“I could not have done it without God, my amazing team and family pushing me every day,” Gaines said. “Scoring that milestone point as a game-winner in the state quarterfinals means a lot. It is a moment that I will never forget and I am glad I experienced it with this record breaking team.”
These two teams are history-makers, record-breakers and trailblazers in the FC athletics program.
Next UP
Girls soccer will play Sacred Heart Prep at 3:30 p.m, March 8, for their state championship title on the FCS field.
Boys basketball will play Grant in round three of regional state playoffs at 7 p.m, March 8, in the FC gym.
Come out and support these athletes and their journey to victory. Tickets are available on Go Fan
For more from in athletics, see PROMO: Girls beach volleyball prepares to dominate in the sand
For more from The Feather, read Column: Echo chambers create unproductive environments for discussion or Fresno Christian community mourns the loss of senior Lily Kahrimanian
Catherine Peters • Mar 7, 2025 at 6:25 pm
So exciting and proud of these two teams! Very good article, too.