Two years ago, Aquinas women's soccer finished the season without a win.
Last year, the Fightin Irish were an unlikely state champion.
On Tuesday, they have a chance to defend that title.
Aquinas defeated rival Towns County 1-0 in the Georgia High School Association Class A D-II semifinals on Thursday to earn another trip to Macon. Senior midfielder Landry Washington powered the Irish forward with the only goal of the game.
After the graduation of five seniors from last year's team, the already difficult task of defending a state championship became even more difficult.
“The same things I said last year, perseverance and toughness. This team had that,” Aquinas coach Shawn Brandes said. “It wasn't an easy season. We played some tough teams and had some ups and downs. We looked at the effort tonight and had to give Towns credit. That was us. One of the bravest teams we've played against. I have to give credit to the coaches.”
Aquinas will play Lake Oconee Academy at Mercer University on Tuesday, May 7th at 5 p.m. The Titans suffered their only loss in Region 8 to the Irish during the regular season.
Aquinas women's soccer has a long road to Macon
It wasn't all sunshine and roses for the Irish either. Aquinas (8-5) suffered non-region losses to Lakeside, Westminster School in Augusta, Richmond Academy and Grovetown. Their only region loss was to Lake Oconee Academy, but they were perfect at the right time.
Aquinas has yet to allow a postseason goal and has defeated Mount Zion (5-0), Portal (4-0) and Towns County (1-0). Brandes' message to the team before the season now seems almost prophetic.
“I knew the schedule was going to be tough. I said, it's not how you start, it's how you finish,” he said. “It's been tough. We're a small school, so we don't bring our girls out to practice early. We've played some quality teams, but I'm like, 'Don't criticize us until the season is over.' Please,” he said. You saw what they did tonight and we go back to the states. ”
Seniors Washington, Katie Welsh, Emma Kate Norgel and Amelia Donald will be looking to go out in style, just like their teammates in the Class of 2023.