The Lady Lions season came to a close on Monday night at Raider stadium in Marietta where the Lions lost to the second-ranked Walton Raiders 4-0. The Lions finish the 2011 campaign at 9-9-0.
The game was a defensive struggle for the Lions especially in the first half, as the Raiders offensive attack kept the Lion's pinned in their own end. "Walton has some big, strong attacking players," said Lion Coach Bill Holleman, "my hat's off to our defense who felt that pressure all night."
Losing 2-0 at the half, the Lions made some adjustments which allowed the team to move the ball forward more and even test the Walton keeper on occasion in the second half, but a stingy Walton defense seemed to stop most opportunities before they started. Ultimately the Lions would give up an additional two goals and lose the contest 4-0.
"I am extremely proud of our seniors," stated Holleman, "Leigh, Baillie, Mel and McCall are indicative of what Peachtree Ridge Soccer is all about. They are fine young women, and we wish them well in their future soccer endeavors and in life. I hope they will come back often and stay a part of Peachtree Ridge Soccer."
"Losing your senior leadership is always difficult," said Coach Holleman, "but I am excited for next years team. We have many experienced players returning, and games like this give us a taste of what the state tournament is about. You learn from these experiences in life, and hopefully we can get back here next year. I like our chances."
Your Peachtree Ridge Fans would like to recognize the positive notes we took from from this match and thank each of you for the players you are on the field, and the women you are off the field! Thanks for a great 2011 - we thoroughly enjoyed it!!
Raider Match Fan Notes: the tenacity and positive leadership of Katey Lippitt, the strong defending of Baillie Burmaster who seemed to be everywhere, several stops by Leigh Warfield that required instant reaction to point blank shots, Melissa Lay's ability to thwart the Raider attack from her left back position, Shelby Jennings' leadership and passing under constant pressure from the Raider Midfield, Sumer Culberson's presence and decision making in the second half, the passing and attacking skills of Emily Edmond, the team play and speed shown by Macey Raines at left back while covering extremely quick Raider forwards during the second half, Libby Callaway's energy up front as she kept the Raider defenders under constant pressure, Alanna Dineen's strong ability to get multiple shot's off under pressure, Esther Cano's high pressure style and energy that created multiple take-aways for the Lions, Olivia Hall's team play at right back, Wendy Palmer's strong play at center back in the second half, and Katey Fitton, Lexie Luther, Julianna Luther and Graham Green who pressured and pursued the Raider passing attack for much of the match. McCall Gardner and Phoebe Palmer could not play in the match due to injury, but your contributions this year helped put the Lion's in the playoff. Well-done to each of you, good luck Seniors, and we look forward to 2012!
Tag(s): Lions News
