Magical season ends for East Girls Soccer

East Paulding Girls Soccer lost to Decatur 3-0 in the state 7-5A playoffs on Tuesday, ending a special season for the Lady Raiders. Highly-skilled and well-coached, Decatur pressed East all game long. EP Keeper Mackenzie Dykes made a handful of terrific saves to keep East within striking distance, but for the first time all season, East was not able to find the net.
This season was special for the Lady Raiders. Their ten seniors led East to a coveted state playoffs berth after enduring a 15 loss season just two years ago. They will leave East Paulding with great memories of what they accomplished together. While the Seniors led this team, it was a complete and balanced team effort that allowed them to accomplish so much. East will have an enormous hole to fill as the seniors depart, but the talented crop of current freshmen gives hope for the future. This class of seniors have modeled hard work, positivity, and sportsmanship, and will always remember their journey to the State playoffs. (Photos: Russ Bergevine)

Senior Captain Lauren Bergevine (21) drives the ball upfield. Bergevine, a multiple All-Region award winner, ends a stellar career at EPHS. Senior Captain Kirsten Deaton (15) boots the ball away from three Decatur defenders. Deaton leaves East as the epitome of toughness and hard work. Senior Captain Morgan Gramling (11) executes perfect slide tackle to stop a Decatur threat. A defensive specialist, Gramling graduates as a respected All-Region award winner. Keeper Mackenzie Dykes punches away a strong shot on goal. Dykes' solid play was on display all game long as Decatur launched countless attacks. Raider Ella Mitchell (16) fights off a challenge from a Decatur forward to win ball possession. Mitchell posted a fantastic freshman year for EP.