In bitter cold and windy conditions on Friday, the Lady Tigers dropped their first varsity soccer match in two weeks by a 1-0 score at Blessed Trinity.

The Lady Titans have the exact record as Dawson County with a 2-1 mark. Coach Jed Lacey's Lady Tigers are currently ranked No. 3 in Class AAA, while Blessed Trinity holds the No. 2 spot.

The first half was a defensive test for Dawson County.

The Lady Titans launched a barrage of shots at Lady Tiger goalie Anela Melton. Melton was true to the task and made several spectacular saves.

"Anela (Melton) may be one of the best keepers in the state. Anela is a beast back there. With her back there you have a chance to win every game," Lacey said.

The Lady Tigers' offense had a couple of good shots in the opening half, but the offense just couldn't get a shot past their keeper.

Blessed Trinity scored the game's only goal with 25:13 remaining to take the one-goal win.

"We had our chances to score but we just couldn't finish," Lacey said. "Two of the top teams in Class AAA played tonight. We want to play top competition to see where we are and it helps us see where we need to make changes or what we need to work on."

Lacey commended the play of Brooke Cagle, Mckay Shively, Anela Melton, Devon Coates, Sara Bywaletz, Summer Armstrong, Taylor Bennett and Mackenzie Callas.

"Summer (Armstrong) and Devon (Coates) did a heck of job on defense for us. Summer had been sick all day but fought through her illness to play," he said.

Lacey said he knows that his team can do better.

"I was not happy with our play overall, but playing the caliber of team we did tonight and knowing we should have won, even when we did not play our best," said Lacey. "I expect us to rise up out of this game and be the team we know we are."

Up next for Dawson County will be a Friday trip to Cartersville. Kickoff for the game will be at 5:30 p.m.

The Purple Hurricanes come into the game with an 0-1 record.