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After the three hour bus ride, the girls were ready to get warmed up, literally. The air was chilled and the rain poured as they piled out of the bus.

Finally, it was time for the game.

The Grizzlies quickly took control of the ball, but they were unsuccessful in a goal because few shots were taken.

Then, the ball was kicked into Granite territory, then into the danger zone. Senior defender, Andrea Rodriguez, hastily attacked the ball and chipped it into the midfield. One of the opposing players fell and the whistle blew for a foul. Since the ball was in the goal box, the call was for a penalty kick. Of course, the ball was kicked to the corner of the net past senior goalie, Sonia Stewart.

“One bad call led to a cheap shot” said senior defender, Lorina Villarreal.

The girls reset and were steamed up for a goal. The ball remained under Grizzly control for the majority of the time.

Sophomore offender, Mercedes Steidley, was shoved to the ground and awarded a kick approximately 10 yards away from the goal line. Opposing players created a wall but with a swift chip over the girls’ heads, Steidley made Granite’s first goal.

“You don’t even know how good that goal felt,” said Steidley. “Especially after the keeper was talking papas.”

The whistle blew for half time.

Coach, Gabe Rodriguez, emphasized the importance of making shots and controlling the ball. The Lady Grizzlies were pumped for a win.

After sides were swapped, the girls set up and it was time for a new, better, and more aggressive half.

The ball remained under Grizzly control with the exception of a few lucky breaks. The game got rough and an opposing player was given the first and only yellow card of the game.

Though more shots were made, no goals went in and the game ended with a tie.

Captains agreed to two ten-minute overtimes.

Villarreal was taken out of the game after she twisted her bad knee and hit the hard ground.

The game continued with multiple shots on both sides and close runs for the Grizzlies, but the overtimes were over and the score was still 1-1.

It was then decided for two more five-minute overtimes. This time, it was the first goal wins.

Grizzlies beasted it through the Chieftains in the last overtime, but the ball rebounded and was given to an open offender for a quick goal.

The girls were defeated.

Immediately, the tears rolled in. For half of the team, this was the last high school soccer game ever to be played.

“Our last game was probably the best game of our lives,” said senior defender, Andrea Rodriguez. “Each and every one of us left our heart on that field, especially the seniors. Who knew a game could mean so much?”

The Lady Grizzlies lost a close game 2-1 against the highest placed team in playoffs.

“To us they were no first seed,” said senior Villarreal. “They were just another team. Those girls were scared because they met their match.”

The girls took their last bus ride home to Granite with their soccer family.

“I’m very proud of my team, especially the seniors,” said Coach Rodriguez. “It was a close game and we had our chances. If we’re going to lose, what a way to go out! I’m glad to be able to go up against the best team and actually outplay them.”

Hopefully next year will prove to be as successful as this one as the underclassmen become the leaders and the seniors leave their victorious legacy.