Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Richmond Hill’s girls’ soccer season came to an end Monday afternoon when visitors Harrison High School overtook the Wildcats 2-1 in extra time to win the Class 6A state quarterfinal match.

The Wildcats appeared to be on their way to their first state semifinal appearance since the 2022-23 season, as they took a 1-0 lead with freshman Karly Schultz’s goal at the 34th minute of the contest.

But Harrison tied the game with two minutes left to play in regulation, and the Hoyas then scored the game-winner eight minutes into the first half of extra time to suddenly end the Wildcats' undefeated 19-0 ride.

Starting goalie senior Kamryn Martinez left the game temporarily with a bloody nose due to a collision with a teammate, but she was on the sideline in concussion protocol when the winning goal was scored.

Head coach Shawn Allen saw his team lose a battle of attrition.

“We dominated the first-half possession,” said Allen. “We scored a goal in the first half for a 1-0 lead. But Harrison grabbed the momentum in the second half. We had a few players get injured, both center backs and our starting goalie. We were a little beat up physically and conceded a second goal. We pushed for a tying goal in overtime, but we just couldn’t get it.”

Peterson, who led the team with 34 goals and is a Virginia Military Institute recruit, looked at the game as a lesson for the future.

“It was a really challenging game, and I'm glad I got to compete in such a challenging game that, I can tell, will contribute to making me a better player,” said Peterson. “We kept a lead of 1-0 throughout the whole game until the last two minutes when they scored a goal against us.

“Of course, I kept my eye on the prize and my head in the game, however we conceded another goal and lost the game. However, my team and I understand that losing is part of soccer, and losses only make us stronger with the right mindset.”

Martinez, who will play at Dalton State College next year, saw the game as a tight contest.

“I thought that both teams were evenly matched and it was a good battle,” said Martinez. “My defense held it down, and I’m extremely pleased with our performance. We had some goal-scoring opportunities, but couldn’t capitalize on them. I’m proud to say I gave it my absolute best in this game, and unfortunately, when I had to come out of the game due to a bloody nose from a collision, some things just can’t be controlled.”

Martinez said she cherished every moment of the season and will have plenty of memories.

“I think it was spectacular and I absolutely love that we went 19-1 against some very hard teams,” said Martinez. “I have the utmost respect for the other 10 girls that I played with on the field these past four years, and I will miss them dearly. We made some great memories, and I can walk away with my head held high knowing the impact that we made on the field.”

Fellow senior Caitlin McCormick, who is headed to Georgia College and State University, noted a busy weekend could have played into the outcome, but she also will have lasting bonds.

“It was a tough loss, but it is over,” said McCormick. “It was hard to stay prepared coming off an overtime game on Friday and prom weekend. The seniors have fought so hard for four years to make it past the Sweet 16. This season has definitely not been the experience that we had hoped.”

McCormick also feels comfortable walking away from the game, as he will focus on pursuing a career as a physician assistant and majoring in exercise science.

“I have played soccer since I was three years old,” recalled McCormick. “ I thought it would be much harder to walk away, but I am at peace and look forward to my next chapter. I will forever love the people I’ve met along the way and wish we could have won together, but I’m looking forward to seeing what our younger players have in store for the next few years.”

Allen realizes how his senior class of six players helped shape the program over the past four years. Senior Ella Peterson, a Virginia Military Institute recruit, led the team with 34 goals.

“They had a huge impact,” said Allen. “Ella Peterson led us in scoring, and Kamryn Martinez was a defensive leader. All of the seniors were role models on and off the field.”