Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Richmond Hill senior goalie Troy Letourneau saw his team’s 3-0 loss to Collins Hill in a recent GHSA opening-round playoff game as more of a breaking of their spirits rather than a test of their talents.

He and his teammates also felt a change of the field affected their performance and ended their season with an overall 13-5 record.

“I viewed the game as less of a test of skill, and more of a test of will,” said Letourneau. “With one of our main defenders not being able to play, it changed many players position wise. It also changed our formation before playing a really strong team.”

Senior Hassan King agreed with his teammate.

“They definitely limited our chances,” said King. “We didn't have many opportunities to score. The flow of our team got messed up because the coach decided to switch up our formation randomly the week before the game. The other team didn’t necessarily break us down though they only scored off of set pieces.

“Overall, I thought it would have been best to leave the formation alone because all it did was leave us more exposed to attacks from out wide.”

Still, there were some mixed feelings about how they played.

Leading scorer junior Cam Persinger believed the effort was there, but fate wasn’t on this side.

“It just didn’t go in our favor,” said Persinger. “ It stinks to think about how everyone on the team showed up, and you can’t always get the result you like.

“This one just stings a bit more than the rest. Everyone played their heart out and at the end of the day we had an amazing season with lots to build off for next season.”

Senior Jake Hicks had some other thoughts.

“I think we played poorly,” added Hicks. “I thought we didn’t play up to the level we could have.”

Overall, head coach Stephen Peterson was proud of his team that was close to changing the final outcome.

“The boys fought together as Spartan warriors,” said Peterson. “The defense eliminated their ability to shoot in free play. They only scored on three set pieces, otherwise we would have beat them in PKs. We finished our season with our best and most connected match.”

Peterson is very optimistic about next season with nine returning seniors and 18 players back with experience. He also was grateful for his senior’s contributions.

“Our seniors were great,” said Peterson. “We’re looking forward to having skill players back for all positions next year.”

Letourneau will always cherish his time in the Wildcats’ program. He also recognized a tight, team bond.

“Even though the outcome wasn’t ideal, I’m still very proud of my boys for putting their all into the game and even after the final whistle,” said Letourneau. “We were sad when it was over. But the way we were all there for each other, with laughs and tears, made me realize that this team is not as much a team, and more of a family.”