The Gilmer High Lady Cats closed out the 2024 soccer season and set a pair of records in the process.
GHS was at home last week as soggy weather was present yet again. Gilmer took the field for its final game Thursday against Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. The visiting Warriors found themselves down immediately, and the Cats added two more goals in the second half for a 3-0 win.
The Cats wrapped up region play two days prior versus Wesleyan. The Wolves (15-1-1) were held under their season scoring average, but earned a 7-0 win to finish undefeated against region teams.
The LFO victory marked the Cats’ 10th on the season, which is a school record. The previous record of eight wins was set in 2017. Yenifer Lopez scored all three goals to bring her seasonal tally to 27. That supplants the previous mark of 25 goals set by Emily Rouse in 2009.
“It was a great senior night win with the fastest goal scored in my tenure as coach under 25 seconds from the opening kickoff,” said head coach Adam Palmer. “The weather was relentless, but the team adjusted at half to a 4-4-2 from a 4-3-3 system to slow down midfield play and capitalize on two breakaways for goals.”
The Cats led 1-0 after 32 seconds of play. Sophia Lykins picked a Warrior’s pocket at midfield before passing down the right flank to Calli Wise. A LFO defender attempted to clear the ball, but it glanced off her foot and into the path of Lopez, who shrugged off a Warrior and scored from 10 yards out.
The Cats continued to create chances and dominated possession, but were unable to score over the remainder of the half.
With a new formation to start the second half, the Cats added a pair of lightning-quick goals. A LFO pass from midfield was blocked by Lykins, and the ball ricocheted off her and into the charging path of Lopez once again. She outpaced defenders, and her 15-yard shot from the right side of the box hit the near post before rolling past the goal line.
GHS led 2-0 3:34 into the half and added another goal less than two minutes later. The same scoring combination was at it again, and Lykins intercepted a LFO pass. She then sent a pass over the top, and Lopez ran away from defenders. She scored her third goal from 8 yards away for a 3-0 GHS lead with 34:57 on the clock.
“I am so proud of Yenifer and her resilience this season,” said Palmer. “Fighting to capitalize and finish the opportunities in life shows commitment, dedication and passion. She has worked through several injuries over the course of the season proving her commitment to the program and team. Yenifer finished fifth in the state in team points, and third in Class 3A for goals scored during the regular season with 27.
“I look forward to having her back next season along with all the other returning players. Without teamwork, results are hard to come by. The team has shown grit in that charge. All our varsity and JV players have worked extremely hard to produce this years results.”
Wesleyan was held to its fewest goals in region play when it defeated GHS Tuesday.
“We played a defensive system (4-5-1) to hold Wesleyan to seven goals,” Palmer said. “I’m proud of the team for staying committed to the plan and taking the opportunities to counter as they presented themselves. Angelica Castenda had a great opportunity but was unable to finish and score.”
Palmer discussed the Cats’ 10-7 season and what lies ahead.
“I’m encouraged with the continued growth of the Gilmer girls soccer program and the future ahead,” he said. “Big improvements occurred from last season to date on both the varsity and JV teams. I look forward to seeing all the players continue working to improve this offseason. I always remind the teams to capitalize on what you can control. Preparation is a box you have to check.
“I also want to thank all the parents, fans and faculty who continually support Gilmer soccer. We are extremely grateful. We will continue to work to produce a team that the community can rally behind and be proud of, and we want to see soccer continue to grow in Gilmer.”