The Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars on Monday lost their final game of the season 4-3 to the Copiah Academy Lady Colonels at R.M. “Red” Stuard Field.

In addition to playing their final soccer game on the Brookhaven Academy football field, the Cougars were able to honor their only senior – Peyton Rogers – this year.

“It was nice to have all of our fans come out to the stadium and support us on senior night,” said BA coach Mark LeBlanc. “Peyton Rogers suffered an injury midway through the season, but she really wanted to play tonight and she was able to finish the season on the field. It is always nice to recognize our senior and the girls really wanted to play well for Peyton in her last game.”

The Lady Cougars fell behind 1-0 early in the game on a laser shot from University of South Alabama signee Tori clement. BA battled back to tie the game at 1-1 on a penalty kick conversion from Harley Smith. Right before halftime, the Lady Cougars took the lead at 2-1 on a well-placed shot over the opposing goalie’s head by midfielder Sophie Wilson to give the Cougars the halftime lead.

BA put another goal on the board early in the second half when Julianna Mills got loose on the base line and drove through several defenders using her left foot to get the ball by the goalie into the corner of the net. The Lady Colonels would not wilt under the pressure from BA. Led by senior Tori Clement, they continued to pressure and attack to score the final three goals of the game, the last coming with 5 minutes left to secure the 4-3 victory.

“This was a very good high school soccer game and hats off to Copiah Academy for their effort tonight, especially their senior Tori Clement,” said LeBlanc. “She really put Copiah on her back in the second half and played exceptionally. When we lost Julianna in the second half with a very bad ankle injury, it took our momentum away and we never recovered. I really feel bad for Julianna Mills, she has been a rock for this team and to have that kind of the injury in her last game is tough. I could not be prouder of our team as a whole, this was the best they have played all year and with most of our players returning next year I know that they will build on this night and be much improved next season.”

Clint Rounsaville and the boys Cougars soccer team will begin practicing in a few weeks for their season opener against Copiah Academy on Nov. 16.