For the second year in a row, the girls soccer team has advanced to the District championships, but hope for a better outcome this time around.

Monday night the girls faced defending State champs, Eureka, in the first round of Districts. Earlier this season, the Lancers were defeated by the Wildcats in a close game of 0-1. But it was a different story in Monday night’s match.

The girls came out rolling as junior Anna Saunders scored off a corner kick in the first 10 minutes. However, the Wildcats retaliated to take a 2-1 lead by half time.

Eureka dominated play for most of the second half and as the clock started to wind down, Lafayette pushed girls up to crash the net and make more scoring opportunities. With 6.5 seconds left, the ref made a controversial call that initially decide the game. A Lafayette forward was fouled near Eureka’s goal box and the ref requested the clock to be stopped to give the Lancers a free kick.

Eureka coach Gary Schneider erupted in disbelief as the clock is only stopped on very rare occasions, those being to issue a card and conversate with the players.

Senior Natalie Quisenberry took the kick and was aiming for the upper 90, but the ball crept past Eureka’s goalie into the lower left corner. It was a testament to how the Lancers played their hearts out until the final seconds.

Going into overtime, the returning players from last year’s season flashed back to the District championship overtime against Eureka.

“I was so nervous before the whistle blew because the last thing I wanted was a repeat of last year,” junior Taylor Schneider said.

Same scenario, but completely different outcome. Under a minute and a half into overtime, freshman Jessica Smith stood atop Eureka’s goal box and the ball was placed right in front of her. The girls all watched the ball soar into the back of the net and immediately went into celebration mode.

The girls have another chance to claim the District title. The Lancers will face off against Marquette in the title game on Friday night.