After winning a league championship for the first time since 2003, the Decatur girls soccer team’s season has come crashing down. As fast as the postseason started, the Gators’ postseason has ended in a 2-1 loss against Lakes in the second round of the West Central District Tournament.

As the number two seed, Decatur was in a winner to state game against Bellarmine Prep. The Gators fell 4-2 against the Lions and needed a win against Lakes that would not come.

Decatur was behind the eight ball from the start because of players missing practice before the game.

“I don’t know what it was. But it is hard as a coach when players don’t go to practice. All you can do is try to help guide them with what you went through and your experiences to try and help them in this position,” Manager Sean Davis said.

It wasn’t an undoing, but Decatur did concede the opening goal. Addison Knight was left unmarked right outside the six-yard box and just deflected a cross into the net in the ninth minute of the game.

However, the Gators did respond. Amoni Hussen found some separation outside the penalty area and beat the Lakes keeper with height to equalize in the 12th minute.

Battling and scoring when they are behind has been the Gators’ identity all year. So when they trailed in the playoffs, their mentality never changed.

“There were times we were down 2-0 at halftime. You never know,” Davis said.

Decatur was tasked with defending a weapon on the Lakes roster in Angela Saldana. She did find a couple of shot opportunities that required Sophie Walker to make good saves. But for the most part, the Gators shut down Saldana.

The Gator defense couldn’t hold on, and in the 60th minute, the Lancers took the lead and never looked back. There were four consecutive passes between the Lancers before Kendall Griffin received the final pass, and she put Lakes in front.

There was no fold from Decatur as they kept the pressure on Lakes. But the Lakes defense stood tall.

“I told them at halftime that whoever scores the next goal is going to get it (the win). We were unfortunate there, but it was good overall,” Davis said.

As far as success goes, Davis can’t help but look back with positivity.

“I saw a lot of growth from the young players and chemistry building. Winning league and making the playoffs is a huge accomplishment,” Davis said.

Kaihea Tuifua and Juliana Delucio work together in the first half against Lakes. Ben Ray / The Mirror