The Dawson County High School varsity Lady Tigers' soccer team's season came to an end at The Westminster School Friday night in an Elite Eight game.
Coach Jed Lacey's team played a splendid first half but lost 5-0 to the No. 1-ranked team in Class AAA.
On May 5, the Lady Tigers traveled to Fort Valley and pounded Peach County 5-1 in the second round of playoff action.
In the game against Peach County, Emily Queen put Dawson County on the scoreboard quickly with a goal at the 34:28 mark on an assist by Mckay Shively.
Peach County (12-4-4) got its only goal on a free kick with 31:15 remaining in the first half.
Seven minutes later Dawson County scored again on a goal by Jessica Chambers that put the Lady Tigers ahead 2-1.
It was Chambers second goal of the season.
The Lady Tigers exploded in the second half with three more goals by Devon Coates (37:58), Queen again (29:42) and Mackenzie Callas (29:05).
It was Coates first goal of the season.
Queen has nine goals and Callas has 16 goals.
Assists were made by Tina Libao, Callas and Chambers.
Ansley Stanfill, freshman, was in goal for the Lady Tigers.
"We did a great job at Peach County," Lacey said. "I was concerned by the three hour bus ride, but we came out and were ready."
The Dawson County defense was dominating and allowed Peach County just three shots on goal.
"I thought Emily Queen just ke[t the pressure on up front, and with Devon Coates and Ava Walker funneling everything outside each time Peach County went on the attack, I felt really good about our chances in this game," Lacey said.
Friday's game with Westminster (16-2-1) was played evenly in the first half. Lacey's team was down just 1-0 at halftime.
The speed and quickness of Westminster took over in the second half, as the team scored four goals to put the game out of reach.
"Westminster is a great team. We put up a fight, but they just had too much talent for us to overcome," Lacey said. "I thought our girls gave me their all every game we played this season. We have a lot to be proud of."
The season marks the second in the last four years that Dawson County has made it to the Elite Eight.
It was the fourth year in a row that the Lady Tigers have made it to the state playoffs.
Dawson County had to battle injuries to key players all season.
The Lady Tigers lost Anela Melton, Taylor Bennett and Summer Armstrong to injury.
High school careers are now finished for seniors: Anela Melton, Meghan Picklesimer, Taylor Bennett, Sara Bywaletz, Ivonne Maldonado, Summer Armstrong, McKay Shively and Emily Stapler.
Dawson County finished the year with a 14-4 record.