By Anna Boone

The girls’ soccer team lost a heart-wrenching match against New Albany during sectionals last night. After taking an early 2-0 lead, the Bulldogs came back and tied it

2-2. The game went into overtime where neither school scored. It came down to penalty kicks to decide the match.

“We played hard and we deserved it. I didn’t want it to go to penalty kicks, but that’s what happened,” said junior Lauren Wyatt.

The stadium was quiet when the kickers lined up at the penalty line. FC shot first. Both teams made the first four shots, with neither FC’s or NA’s goalies blocking any shots. On the final kick, FC’s shot was blocked by the NA keeper, making the penalty kick score 4-4 with NA yet to take their fifth shot. NA senior Tanner Marcum scored the last penalty kick.

“During the PKs (penalty kicks) I was standing on the sideline with my team watching our five shooters out there,” said senior and varsity captain Christine Clark. “I hate PKs because they are so nerve-wracking, but I stood and believed that all five of those girls would make it. Jess [junior Jessica

Coryell] was so close to stopping two and I was proud of how she stood in the goal. The thing that killed me most was when the fifth PK went right to their goalie’s hand. At that moment our team came closer and hoped the next [NA kicker] would miss, but it was their best player and she capitalized. That was the hardest moment of my life. At the end of the day it wasn’t anyone’s fault. It’s a tough moment to undertake but at least we have teammates behind us.”

“I wish we could have gone further because I didn’t want it to be the seniors’ last game and I think we could have made it to regionals. I love my team,” said Wyatt.

Clark echoed Wyatt’s sentiments.

“The past four seasons as a Highlander were the best four of my life. I made great friendships, and had amazing seasons. I’m so blessed and proud of every player I’ve played with here, and every team I’ve played on.”