It was a crushing way to end the season.

Escalon’s varsity Lady Cougars made the Sac-Joaquin Section soccer playoffs and went on the road Feb. 18 for a game at Amador. The number 6 seed Escalon girls fell by a 2-1 decision in overtime to number three seed Amador in the opening round of Division V action.

“Such a heartbreaker,” admitted head coach Jamie Peoples. “We got the first goal and we played amazing soccer. The girls stepped up and came to play.”

In action earlier in the season, during a preseason contest, Amador took a 6-1 win off the field against Escalon.

“I think they thought it was going to be an easy win,” Peoples said of the host squad taking her Lady Cougars lightly. “We fought such a tough battle; unfortunately the score didn’t go in our favor.”

Mya Beary had the goal off a Georgina Gallo assist to put Escalon up by a 1-0 score.

“It was a beautiful corner kick to a header,” the coach explained of the picture perfect goal.

On the other side of the field, Escalon also got a strong defensive effort.

“Emma Bracco was solid in goal for us with 12 saves and Natalie Cortes was first to every ball that came her way,” Peoples noted.

With the loss, Escalon ended their season with an 8-13-2 overall record. Amador, meanwhile, fell in the semifinals to number two seed Bradshaw Christian, which then went on to defeat top seed Colfax, 4-1, on Feb. 22 to claim the Section title.

Seniors suiting up for their last game for the Lady Cougars in the playoffs were Natalie Cortes, Gabby Goodman, Mya Beary, Brianna Cerceda, Alex Titsworth, Alejandra Garcia Jimenez, Ivanna Dela Torre, Daryn Evans and Monserrat Rodriguez.

Peoples said they were well prepared for their opponent in the playoffs but just couldn’t quite get that equalizing goal.

“We studied film and knew how to beat them and the girls executed well,” Peoples explained. “We did everything right except come away with the win. I’m so proud of them. They had a wonderful season.”