Tough Loss

by Madeline Piazza, reporter

FAIRHOPE, Ala.–girls soccer played their final game versus McGill-Toolen on April 16. The game ended with a score of 1-0. The players had to say their goodbye; to teammates and the field. 

“Most of our group has been together since middle school soccer. We have gone to the State Championship and Final four twice,” said senior Harper Duffy. “Of course we have ups and downs, but we always support each other. I am going to miss this team.”

The team may have ended with a narrow 1-0 loss, but their final record of 8-5 speaks volumes about the strength and unity they’ve displayed throughout their journey. The Pirates showed grit and grace under pressure, especially in a nail-biting final where the game hung in balance until McGill’s decisive corner kick. 

“It was definitely a tough loss, the important part though is that we still had a great things happen. We connected our passes, played though, and locked down on defense,” said junior Emma Coffee.

The defense, led by Mississippi College Commit, Aidyn Hagan, played exceptionally well. McGill a team who averages a formidable 2.5 goals per game, was held to just 1 goal by the tenacious defense of the Pirates. This is a testament of the Pirates’ resilience and strategic play, especially considering McGill’s impressive record of 13-1-3. 

“We show so much promise for next year, this team is very eager to win and that was shown here tonight. As an upcoming senior, I am going to make sure I lead by example to get us to the top,” said junior Claire Havard. 

The Pirates’ ability to contain such a high-scoring team until the very end is a remarkable feat, and it underscores the progress and strength the girls have developed over the season. This performance shows that the Pirates are a force to be reckoned with and sets a high bar for next season’s aspirations.