Soccer: Lady Panthers drop regular season final

Katie Phillips scored both of the Lady Panthers’ goals.

Coach Joe Ridgway wasn’t deterred in the least by the loss.

“It was probably one of the best matches we played as a team all year,” he said. “We just caught some unlucky breaks.”

Ridgway praised the play of the Lady Spartans.

“Athens Academy has a strong team and took advantage of their opportunities but I couldn’t be more proud of how the girls played,” Ridgway said.

Of course, Jackson County’s biggest game is ahead Tuesday when it plays Fannin County in the opening round of the region tournament. One victory sends the Lady Panthers to the state playoffs.

“Overall I’m extremely excited about how we look going into the playoffs,” Ridgway said. “I think we’re peaking at the right time … Tuesday will decide it all. It’s going to be awesome.”