It was a bittersweet ending to the fall soccer campaign for Analy and El Molino girls last week, as midnight struck for both West County teams in the North Coast Section playoffs.
The SCL champion Tigers represented the fifth seed in the NCS Division-1 playoffs, advancing with a 1-0 overtime win over 12th seeded Eureka in the opener on Nov. 2. Lilli Ziemer scored the game-winner, assisted by Ana Hernandez.
The victory set up a clash at number four Casa Grande on Saturday. Analy jumped ahead by virtue of an own goal early in the opening period, but the Gauchos would score to knot it up at 1-1 at the half. Casa Grande scored the game-winner midway into the second half, converting a free kick from 20 yards out. The Tigers threatened throughout the games final minutes but the Gauchos hung on for a 2-1 victory.
Although disappointing, the loss did not diminish what amounted to an outstanding season for the Tigers.
“Our team has grown so much since the start of the season,” Analy coach Brittney Briones reflected. “We went from a 0-2 start to being SCL champs and undefeated until Saturday. The girls always said before every game, ‘play for each other’ and I really believe they did that.”
Lions fall to St. Helena
El Molino entered the NCS Division 3 playoffs as the number two seed, drawing a first-round bye. The Lions played host to number seven St. Helena on Nov. 5, but were unable to convert on their scoring opportunities as the Saints emerged with a 2-0 victory.
“The girls improved individually and as a team this year,” El Mo coach Emily Farrant said. “They’ve shown that they can out-battle any opponent and never give up.”
The Lions finished the season with an overall record of 10-7-
