The 43-degree temps may not have shown it, but in early April, it was time for a new season to begin–soccer season that is. Spring hadn’t quite decided to arrive, and on April 5th in Pinckney, Michigan, the girls soccer team could feel winter hadn’t fully left. Pinckney had just joined the SEC white division this year and were predicted to be a tough opponent. This would be the first time in years, if not ever, these two high schools would face off in this minimally popular event.

Not only was this a first ever face off, but also the first ever varsity game for Jason Murphy, newly appointed head coach. When asked about his expectations for Pinckney he said, “They should be good competition and this is an especially good opportunity to make an early statement in the conference.”

The girls had been training for weeks in preparation for their first game. The team is heavily seniors, having 12 on the roster, making this a crucial year for many. A majority of the girls had been playing together as early as U8. The chemistry is unlike most teams in the conference.

Once game time finally neared, nerves seemed to eat away at some of the girls’ confidence. Pinckney started off strong and did prove to be a competitive team; the Bulldogs hung with them for the first 30 minutes. However, they failed to maintain their grit to end the half, and after two quick quick goals fell 2-0. Confidence seemed to be low as the whistle blew signaling 40 minutes of play had ended. Coach Murphy, however, encouraged the girls to be determined and not put their heads down; it wasn’t over yet. After a brief pep talk at halftime, the Dogs were unable to keep the Pirates at two goals. That early goal in the second half prompted the Dogs to play more defensively. They were able to hold the Pirates to three goals for the remainder of the game. Late in the second half the Bulldogs found an offensive rhythm and were able to challenge Pinckney’s defense and had several attempts on goal. Unfortunately, they struggled to find the back of the net. The final was 3-0 Pirates. In a tough loss for their first game of the season, the bulldogs are looking forward to finding their momentum in games to come and especially look forward to facing Pinckney again, May 1st, at home.