The Rochester Adams Girls Soccer, also commonly referred to as RAGS, has had a very successful season this year regardless of the unexpected challenges the program has faced. With new coaches for all the Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Junior Varsity B teams, many players were hesitant on how the upcoming season would unfold. Luckily, the Varsity season has been anything but disappointing.

During the pre-season, the highlanders had an undefeated record of six wins and no ties or losses. The girls managed to maintain their strong record during the season with 19-4-4, securing back-to-back league championships. These accomplishments fueled the team’s determination for victory during playoffs.

The girls battle through districts has not been easy. They first faced the Wildcats of Oxford High School, prevailing with a 1-0 win. Just days after their first victory, RAGS would face Adams’s long-time rivals, Stoney Creek High School. The Highlanders previously faced the Cougars during leagues, barely triumphing with a 1-0 win. Players waited for the rivalry game with high anticipation knowing that the losing team will be done for the year and would have to say bye to the beloved seniors. After an intense 80-minute match, the Adams girls came on top with a 3-0 win against the former state champs.

In their district finals, the underdog Highlanders would have to beat the hard-working and intimidating Eisenhower Eagles with seven conference records under their belt. After a hard-fought game, both teams came short with a score of 0-0, leading the teams into a 20-minute overtime. The Eagles came out strong scoring in the first half of OT, leading with a score of 1-0. The Highlanders quickly responded with an assist over the top from senior Cammy Smith to senior Hailey Wentzloff,  in the second half, leaving the score 1-1.

“I knew right when the ball hit Cammy’s feet that it was coming right to me. We’ve done that all year. I knew I had the space. I just perfectly placed it into the net like we always have,” said Wentzloff.

After OT, both teams would have to prepare for a penalty shoot out for the district trophy. After the Eagles missed two of their four shots, Adams was able to pull it together making all four resulting in the new District Champs.

“I couldn’t believe it when the Eagles managed to miss two PKs in a row. We have been practicing PKs all this season, preparing for a situation like this and it helped us secure the title. I am so proud of the PK takers and so proud of my team,” said senior Taylor Spencer.

After the long game, the Adams girls were overcome with excitement and love for their team, coaches, alumni, and family that came to support them and will continue to encourage their game when the Highlanders took on Waterford Mott in the Regional Semifinals yesterday at Stoney Creek.

In the Regional Semi Finals, the highlanders prevailed with a 2-1 lead against the Waterford Corsairs in a hard fought battle. With a slow first half, Adams managed to hit a shot on net, making the score 1-0 before the half; however, quickly during the second half the highlanders scored yet another goal securing a 2-0 lead.