For the second year in a row, the Richmond Hill Lady Wildcats had an undefeated regular season and for the second year in a row, they suffered an unfortunate loss in the playoffs to end their season. 

After defeating South Gwinnett at home 2-0 in the first round, the Lady Wildcats played host to North Paulding and came up short, losing 2-0.

“Our girls played a great game,” head coach Kelly Anderson said. “We had two miscues that were breakaway plays that started on offense. That is what allowed those two points to get on the board.”

With a scoreless first half of the match, neither team seemed to have an advantage or the momentum, as both squads seemed to be fairly matched. 

However, that changed in the second half as North Paulding was able to secure an early goal on their first breakaway run. 

“We weren’t able to capitalize on our opportunities,” Anderson said. “We didn’t take advantage of our chances we had up top and when we don’t do that, things can’t go our way.”

Richmond Hill continued to fight the rest of the way and made a late push to get back in the match, but North Paulding was able to sneak a goal in late, with just five minutes left of play. 

“I’m just proud that they didn’t give up,” Anderson said. “They gave their all until the end and I’m pleased with that. The loss wasn’t anyone’s fault. Mistakes happen but no one is at fault. 

“I told them to play this game with no remorse for the outcome. Whether we win or lose, if you give your all today, you won’t have any remorse for how things go. That was our message for this game.

“We wanted the win. I think we were the better team. We held possession when we needed to. We just didn’t finish when we had our chances.”