The Lady War Eagles’ soccer season ended last Thursday in the first round of the playoffs when No. 4 seed Jeff Davis upset top-seed Putnam County 4-1 at Al Reaves Field in Eatonton.
Despite the loss, Putnam head coach Brandi Barling appreciated her players’ effort until the final whistle. The tenured Lady War Eagles’ coach was especially proud of this year’s senior class.
“This senior class won three region championships in four years and played in the state playoffs all four years,” Barling said. "This year, we had a terrific season. It started slow, but then we came back and, of course, beat all of our region opponents, so that was really special for our team.”
In last week’s match, Jeff Davis came out firing from the opening kick. The Lady Yellow Jackets jumped ahead 2-0 quickly, scoring a pair of goals in the ninth and 14th minutes of the match.
In the 32nd minute, Putnam senior Lily Frisch scored to cut Jeff Davis’ lead in half. The team’s leading scorer dribbled the ball down the field and sunk her shot into the back of the net.
Unfortunately for Putnam, Frisch’s score was the lone goal for the Lady War Eagles. The Lady Yellow Jackets defended well, scoring twice more to secure the upset and advance to the second round.
Putnam seniors Gracie Bird, Allison Stone, and Elizabeth Haley did their best to try and get the ball to Frisch, but Jeff Davis’ defenders got in the way.
The Lady Yellow Jackets controlled the tempo.
The Jeff Davis offense, powered by freshman Alex Arrano, who netted three of her team’s four goals, could have scored more, but the Lady War Eagles caught a few breaks.
“We just couldn’t get it together last week. Their No. 11 (Arrano), we couldn’t shut her down,” Barling added. I told the team after the game that I was proud of them for how hard they worked and for how far they’ve come since the first practice of this season, the skills they’ve picked up, and learning to play as teammates. The seniors are leaving, although a lot of talent will be left for next year.”
Last Thursday also marked Barling’s final game as Putnam County’s head coach. She informed The Eatonton Messenger that she is retiring from coaching, and someone new will be hired to fill her role.
“(That) was my last game. I’m just retiring from coaching. I just finished up my 10th season as the head coach here at Putnam County,” Barling said. “I’m ready to have some free time.”
Putnam County concluded its 2024 campaign with a 10-5 overall record. The Lady War Eagles will return five starters next year.