Journey Uptadel
The high school Lady Jays season comes to an end in heartbreaking fashion during the quarterfinals of the section tournament, falling in overtime to Kasson Mantorville, 3-2, Tuesday, Oct. 12.
The Jays fell behind early 1-0 and carried the deficit into the second half. A resilient Bluejay squad wasn’t done without a fit. The Jays clawed back, taking a 2-1 lead with less than three minutes to play, with both goals coming on assists from Thyme Lang and Maddie Bulfer.
Kasson rallied and tied the score, sending the game to a 10 minute overtime match, where the first score wins. With less than a minute left in the period, Kasson sent the Jays home with a walkoff winner.
The loss ends an incredible run by the Jays, who appeared, at the beginning of the season, to be in what Coach Jenaro Delgado called a rebuilding year.
Here is a letter submitted from Coach Delgado following their conference championship-clinching win last week:
“After bidding farewell through graduation to more than half of our last season’s team, it would have been understandable and maybe even reasonable to call this year a rebuilding year for our program.
“It wasn’t until our away game against Saint Peter when the announcer read out loud the grades of our student athletes that we took into account the reality in the identity of our team. Freshmen, sophomores and even an eighth grader followed the prescribed preparation required to make this one of the most successful regular seasons in our program’s history. The disciplined group arrived this school season after participating in a strong winter program, and with summer tournament and state wins under their belts, were able to provide this year’s graduating seniors all the support required to make this a memorable campaign.
“Our Juniors and Seniors came into the season prepared to answer any request to achieve success on and off the field, sometimes even by playing as many as four different positions in one game. It is for that reason, that while it may be a newfound joy, it is not at all surprising that, after all the preparation and commitment that this team has displayed, I get to call them and present them to you as 2021-2022 Big South Conference Champions.
“A heartfelt thank you from all the coaching staff to those of you that support us and understand that this type of success is a true reflection of the commitment and active participation in the development of our youth!”
The Jays finished the year with an overall record of 12-5, and a regular season conference record of 11-1.