The Gatewood girls soccer team is heading to the GIAA Class 2A Elite Eight after a dominant 5-1 victory over First Preparatory Academy in the opening round of the state playoffs.
Behind a hat trick from senior Kimberly Mendez and additional goals from fellow seniors Natalie Sills and Lily Huskins, the Gators built an early lead and never looked back against the Highlanders.
Gatewood led 3-1 at halftime before pulling away in the second half to secure the postseason win.
With the victory, the Gators advance to face top-seeded Central Fellowship Christian, a familiar opponent that has already beaten Gatewood twice this season. However, the most recent meeting between the two teams gave the Gators confidence heading into the rematch after taking Central Fellowship to double overtime in the regular-season finale.
Gatewood head coach Tracy Harper said her team entered the playoff opener focused and prepared from the opening whistle.
“They came out ready to play from the get-go,” Harper said. “We were the eight seed, they were the nine seed, so we knew it was going to be a close battle. They’ve worked hard all season.”
Harper credited the team’s difficult regular-season schedule for helping prepare the Gators for postseason play and said the group is beginning to peak at the perfect time.
“We’ve had a tough season schedule-wise, and they’ve just kind of peaked at the right moment,” Harper said. “They’re just playing some of their best soccer right now.”
That improvement was evident throughout the match, as Gatewood controlled possession and made purposeful passes while creating consistent scoring opportunities.
Harper said the chemistry and teamwork the Gators have been building all season are finally coming together on the field.
“Everything we’ve been working on all season, all the little things, they’re all coming together,” Harper said. “So it’s happening at a good time.”
Now, Gatewood turns its attention to a difficult road matchup against Central Fellowship Christian. Despite the challenge, Harper believes her team is capable of competing with anyone remaining in the state playoffs.
“We’ve got a battle ahead of us, but I think they’re ready,” Harper said. “I would take this team up against anybody in the state. I’ve told them from the beginning, I’d put you up against anybody. I’m just so confident in this team.”
Harper said one of the biggest keys in the upcoming rematch will be the Gators’ defensive communication and support against one of the top players in the state.
“On defense, we’ve got to make sure they’re constantly having each other’s backs and covering for each other,” Harper said. “They’ve got probably the best girl in the state on their team, so it’s just going to be finding a way to shut her down.”
The Gators will travel to Macon on Friday, May 15, to face the Lancers to advance. The match starts at 5 p.m.