By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

LAGRANGE – A fantastic season, one that featured so many special moments, came to a heart-breaking conclusion for the LaGrange Lady Grangers on Friday night at Callaway Stadium.

Facing Jefferson in the quarterfinals of the Class AAAA state soccer tournament, LaGrange ended up losing 3-2 on penalty kicks after neither team had scored a goal in regulation or overtime.

The match came down the leg of Maryanne Kilgore, Jefferson’s outstanding senior who is set to play college soccer at Western Carolina.

Kilgore banged home the clinching penalty kick to give Jefferson the win and set off a celebration by the visiting team.

The Lady Grangers (14-4-1) won the Region 5-AAAA championship and captured two victories in the state tournament before falling short against Jefferson.

In three state-tournament games, LaGrange didn’t allow a goal.

“I think everybody is just really proud of the season and what we accomplished,” LaGrange coach Andy Fritchley said. “But there’s a little bit of dissatisfaction for what could have been. But that’s natural, and that’s sports. You have a little bit of a sour taste.”

While seniors Maddie Patton, Catherine Patton and Hannah Asbell will be moving on, every other member of the LaGrange team will be coming back, so the future looks bright.

“They’re already thinking about next season,” Fritchley said.

Both teams had their opportunities in regulation, but when the second half ended, there were nothing but zeroes on the scoreboard.

It remained scoreless through the two five-minute overtime periods, so it came down to penalty kicks.

Each team was awarded five penalty kicks.

Abby Mazzolini and Maddie Patton each made their kicks for LaGrange, while the three other tries were unsuccessful.

After LaGrange’s final attempt was stopped, Kilgore banged home the clinching kick.

OF NOTE: For photos from Friday’s game, check out Facebook.com/LDNSports