For Lucy McDonough and her Richmond Hill teammates, it was a surreal moment in their regular-season 3-1 victory over Savannah Arts Academy.
"One defining moment was our final regular-season game," recalled Clark, who is a senior co-captain. "We were down 1-0 at halftime, but stayed positive and trusted each other."
"That game reminded us how fun soccer can be when it's competitive and full of heart. Walking off the field exhausted and laughing, we felt like kids falling in love with the game all over again."
That victory capped a 17-1 season that included a spotless 10-0 mark in the Class 7A Region 1 championship, capturing the Wildcats' fourth straight title. The Wildcats will open the postseason when they host Wheeler on Tuesday.
First-year head coach Shawn Allen, who directed the middle school last season, stated his team had similar success in its 16-1-2 run, but it was disappointed in its second-round playoff loss to North Paulding.
Along with their victory over Savannah Arts, Allen also cited their victory over Savannah Country Day as a key to their success.
"Savannah Country Day was a big win against a very good team," stated Allen. "We were forced to come back from a 2-0 deficit and tie the game. Winning the game on penalty kicks helped us prepare for the challenge the playoffs will bring."
Allen also has been pleased with his team's adaptability.
"We have had a challenging season with multiple injuries to key players," said Allen. "We are starting to get a few players back and hope to get a few more healthy before the second round of the playoffs.
"In the meantime, players have been flexible being moved around to adjust the lineup, and players that might not normally start have stepped in and done a fantastic job."
Along with McDonough, Allen has looked to senior co-captain Kate Clark, junior goalie Kamryn Martinez, and fellow junior Ella Peterson, who have been steady contributors. Sophomores Maggie Dodge and Brooke Norris and freshmen Aubrey Fanning and Sydney Shaw have also been playing consistently.
Allen believes Martinez has been a difference-maker this season. Backup sophomore Lizzie Clark has also made her presence felt.
"Kamryn Martinez has been consistently one of the best players on the field every game," stressed Allen. 'She makes great saves and does a great job distributing the ball and being the leader of the defense."
"When Kam Martinez got injured in a collision in the Country Day, Lizzie Clark came in and saved a penalty kick and made several great saves during that important win."
McDonough has watched her team overcome some hurdles and begin to bond in time for the postseason.
"This season brought unexpected challenges, especially with the injuries we faced," said McDonough. "Still, our team adapted and finished strong with 17 regular-season wins. With seven seniors and six juniors, we took on a leadership role, but our underclassmen have been just as impactful, showing maturity, helping run drills, and contributing on and off the field.
"At midseason, we hit a bit of a standstill and knew we had to refocus. Since then, our effort and execution have improved, and with states approaching, we're confident we're peaking at the right time."
Clark has seen a similar picture of her team, especially how they have jelled with each other.
"This season has gone pretty much how I expected, with our team holding a 17-1 record and once again being region champs," said Clark. "Our new coaches have been incredibly supportive and have given us a strong foundation to shape our mindset and grow not just as players but as people.
"I believe every player leans on others in different ways and has the potential to be a strong leader. The experience that the juniors and seniors bring is valuable, and we've recently started a 'Big Sister, Little Sister' initiative, where upperclassmen serve as mentors and role models for the younger players on both JV and Varsity. It's been a great way to get everyone involved and build team chemistry, which is key to our success on the field."
Clark is confident her team can take the next step.
"In our last few games, we've had slow starts, often going down early and struggling in the first half," added Clark. "But I think our mental performance is peaking. We've learned to trust each other, stay composed, and avoid frustration when things don't go our way. That growth will be crucial heading into the playoffs."
In the opening round of the GHSA Class 6A playoffs, Richmond Hill will host Wheeler High School (4-11) on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The kickoff time is 5 p.m., so stay tuned for updates.
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy Richmond Hill High School SOCCER PRGRAM
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