The Cosumnes River College women’s soccer team ended its season on Nov. 22 after losing in the second round of the playoffs to the Fresno City College Rams.

Despite a late goal by CRC freshman forward Katie Ulan, the Rams would eventually tie the game in the second half. The match went into stoppage time and Fresno would score to take the lead and advance to the next round.

“The game could have been anyone’s game,” said Hawks’ freshman midfielder Alley Drake. “We just came up short and allowed them to score within the last couple seconds in overtime. The feeling of losing the game was devastating.”

The Hawks began its season on a demoralizing note. All-American sophomore forward Dani Arellano injured her knee within minutes of the first game. However, the team recovered and ended the regular season ranked sixth in the northern region.

“We dealt with some adversity throughout the year and I think all of us are bigger and better people from that experience,” said head coach Cesar Plasencia.

CRC faced Solano College at home in the first round of the playoffs on Nov. 19. The game was tied 0-0 going into the second half, however, freshman forward Jordan Moore and Ulan would eventually score to give the Hawks the lead and the victory.

“We made some adjustments in the second half that sealed the W for us,” Plasencia said. “The players did a great job of adjusting to some of the problems we were having.”

The Hawks traveled to Fresno on Nov. 22 to take on the Rams in the second round of the playoffs.

Both teams were evenly matched and the first half would also end in a 0-0 tie.

After Ulan scored the Hawks’ lone goal in the second half, Rams sophomore forward Monique Martinez tied the game on a corner kick.

The match went into stoppage time and the Hawks would give up the decisive goal in the 94th minute.

“Every single person played with a lot of heart but the score doesn’t really show that,” said sophomore midfielder Melissa Gomez.

However, Plasencia and several players agreed that the season was a memorable one. The team overcame adversity, played through injuries and tried its best to win.

“I am so proud of my team for stepping up when things got difficult,” Gomez said. “We fought hard every game for 90 minutes. I will never forget the last games, we played with so much heart and desire.”

Plasencia said that he looks forward to next season.

“We’re always vying to try and get to a final four and win a state championship.” Plasencia said. “I’m still committed to try and being the best program in the state.”