A tough end to a great season

The Woodford County High School Lady Jacket soccer team's season came to an end last night when they fell to Highlands High School in the state semi-final 1-0.

The game started two and a half hours late due to accident on I-75, which delayed the Highlands' bus. The wait seemed to sap some of the intensity from the Jackets, as they started the game flat. But you have to give credit to the Bluebirds; they sat on a bus for four hours.

Highlands scored the only goal of the game in the 15th minute. It was what coach Dave McIver called a classic Highland goal. They got the ball down into the box and Woodford failed to clear it. The bouncing ball went off a Bluebird player's back and landed at the feet of Anna Ayers, who rocketed the ball just past a diving Lindsay Vance's outstretched fingers.

Woodford didn't get its first shot on goal until Brandi Levi drove a low shot on net with 1:20 left in the first half.

The Jackets played better in the second half, generating several good scoring opportunities, but they could not find the back of the net. With the one goal lead, Highlands clamped down defensively, bottling up Woodford County in the midfield. The Jackets struggled to get the ball into space where they could take advantage of their speed.

It was hard watching the girls after the game. Seniors Levi and Stephanie Patterson were particularly emotional after the loss. But despite losing the game, the Jackets should stand proud for what they've accomplished this season.

The girls exemplified what it means to be a team. It was a blast watching them play soccer, but I think I enjoyed watching them off the field more. The team possesses an infectious joyful personality. They stick together as a team, both on and off the field.

They definitely make you love them.