When the final seconds ticked off the clock Friday in Armuchee’s AA/A girls state tournament soccer match against visiting Walker, more than just a soccer season came to an end.
The match, which was won by Walker 7-0, also marked the final time coach Eddie Mendence would accompany the girls on the field. Mendence has been with the program for three years and has turned things around for the Lady Indians.
He took over the program in 2006 and, by the next year, took his team to their first state tournament in school history. This season housed another first with the Lady Indians, who finished with a 13-3 record, earning their first area championship.
Most would give a lot of credit to the coach for the improvements in the program. Mendence, though, pointed to the team as deserving the praise.
“Emotionally, it’s hard for me, knowing this will be my last game here,” Mendence said. “I’m just glad to see the program grow each year. These girls are responsible for that. Especially these seniors.”
Armuchee has eight seniors on its team, including Summer Sutton who suffered an injury during the match.
With 14:01 left in the second half, Walker’s (14-3-1) goalkeeper, Blair Thurston, kicked the ball towards the middle of the field. However, Sutton was there to block the kick and send the ball rolling towards the net.
Sutton and Thurston set off on a chase for the ball which ended with both players falling to the ground and Sutton unable to stand up. She was attended to on the field and was eventually pulled to her feet and helped off the field.
The extent of the injury was not known after the match, but she did not return to play.
Armuchee had suffered injuries prior to the match beginning. Fellow senior Amanda Teems was in a car accident earlier in the week and Erin Sutton was dealing with a bruised knee.
All injuries will be healed in time for next year’s season and Mendence feels the Lady Indians have a good chance to enjoy successful seasons in the future without him on the field.
“The enthusiasm has gotten a lot better for Armuchee soccer,” he said. “I don’t think teams look at us like we’re a joke anymore. They know we’re real contenders.
“The score may not indicate that tonight, but these girls battle every game.”
Emily Wiggins, who will be a junior next season, had 11 saves for the Lady Indians in her final match of the year.
In other soccer action:
*Calhoun 2, Dawson County 1*
Calhoun earned a spot in the second round of the AA/A state tournament with a win against visiting Dawson County.
Katie Scott broke a 0-0 tie for the Lady Yellow Jackets (12-5) with 20 minutes left in the second half when she scored on an assist by Julia Binnicker.
Calhoun extended its lead within two minutes on a goal by Danielle White, also assisted by Binnicker.
Nallely Topete had three saves for the Lady Jackets.
“Defensively, we played well,” Calhoun coach Jeff Olney said. “We kept pressing, kept pressing until finally we could put it away.”
Calhoun’s second round action will take place at home Wednesday.
*Fannin County 5, Adairsville 1*
Adairsville’s season ended with a loss to Fannin County in the AA/A state tournament, but the Lady Tigers had good reason to be proud.
They finished their season at 11-6, which is a school record number of wins, and they played in their first state tournament.
Jessie Sexauer scored Adairsville’s lone goal and Courtney Baker had nine saves.
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