Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
With their recent 8-0 victory over St. Vincent’s, Richmond Hill’s girls’ soccer team clinched their fifth consecutive Region 1-6A title with an unblemished 17-0 record and their 10–region mark.
And under second-year head coach Shawn Allen, the Wildcats have also outscored their opponents, 100-8. They have been ranked among the top five teams in the state by Score Atlanta.
They will host an opening-round state playoff game Thursday against Discovery High School of Lawrenceville. The Titans, who play in Region 8, had a 4-12 overall regular season record.
Senior Ella Peterson leads the Wildcats in goals with 30, and sophomore Aubrey Fanning has nine goals.
Senior Kamryn Martinez and junior Lizzie Clark have been mainstays in the nets for the Wildcats. The head coach has relished both of their performances this season.
“They both play half of the game and have combined to let in only eight goals out of 17 games played,” said Allen. “That is a goals against average of 0.47. They have not let in a goal in the last five games. I am blessed to have two talented goal keepers holding down our defense showing leadership.”
Last season, the Wildcats defeated Wheeler, 8-0, in an opening-round game before they lost to Mill Creek, 2-0, in the next round. They finished with an overall 17-2 record.
Aside from his leading scorers, Allen has relied on senior Caitlin McCormick and freshman Karly Schultz, both of whose adaptability has proven to be invaluable to the team’s cause.
“Caitlin and Karley are very versatile players that have started multiple games and have been very flexible with their positions filling in for players in different positions,” said Allen. “ They are a very important part of our team depth which is critical heading into the playoffs. They have shown a positive attitude and flexibility playing different roles coming off the bench at times and starting at times.”
McCormick is confident her team’s chemistry can be a key to their postseason success.
“Heading into the state playoffs, I think our team is prepared,” said McCormick. “Since most of us have played together for a while, our teamwork and communication is really good. We’re stronger than we’ve ever been, and there’s a lot of positivity and excitement as we head into the playoffs.”
She also is aware of her position on the team.
“My role on this team is to be a versatile player,” added McCormick. “I can step into any position when needed and perform just as well as I do in my usual positions, helping the team succeed wherever I’m needed most, and most importantly keeping the energy high and continuing to uplift my teammates.”
This year, Allen believes his team is ready to take the next step.
“All games in the playoffs will be a challenge, the intensity and physicality increases as you go into the playoffs,” said Allen. “As we know-if we lose the season is over. I believe our team is talented and has enough depth to make a deep run into the playoffs this season.”
Martinez agrees with her coach.
“We’re ready and locked in,” said Martinez. “We’re looking forward to the playoffs.”