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Decatur might make run
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kathy Januzelli came back to part-time teaching after retiring two years ago for nights like Wednesday. This was not the ultimate occasion for the Decatur girls soccer team or its coach, but it certainly tantalized on what could be ahead.
If what the Bulldogs offered in handling Aquinas 5-0 is a barometer, there could be more memorable nights to come before this playoff run is complete.
From the start, Decatur controlled the action as much with its aggressive defense as its opportunistic offense. There was a look about the Bulldogs that was distinctly calm. And no wonder: Their team that made it all the way to the state semifinals last year had no seniors.
So, the magnitude of the playoff game seemed to faze Decatur none the least.
“The leadership and maturity of the players are crucial to this team,” Januzelli said. “It means a lot that they have played a lot of soccer together as a team.”
Although they returned all players from last year’s team, including eight seniors, the Bulldogs still have been undermanned. They have played all season without injured senior Jenny Newman and the last three weeks without forward Caroline Jones. Theirs are absences that could destroy a lesser team.
Instead of wallowing in the losses, Decatur has rallied around the girls — and Newman and Jones around the team.
“They have been our biggest cheerleaders, and they continue to lead even though they cannot play,” Januzelli said. “That says a lot about the kind of people they are.”
It also says a lot about the Bulldogs that they could withstand the loss of such talent, yet continue to play big-time soccer. From the tag-team tandem of goalies Julia Duchon and Annie Gibbs to Yates Marie Gwinn to Jessica Berry to Anna Baker to Kelsy Kuperman to sisters Jenn and Olivia Gorbatlin to wingmen Carla Farley and Susi McGhee to forwards Karmen Duchon and Hannah Hooten … the heroes are plentiful for Decatur.
And assistant coach Stephen Gathney, a former Bulldogs soccer star, has been significant as a teacher of the game.
“It has been a great collaboration,” Januzelli said. “We’ve had a very strong bench that’s really been good for us. The girls have learned so much from Coach Gathney. And now we’re here, and it’s fun.”
Aquinas (13-6) had high hopes before showing up in Decatur Wednesday. But the Fighting Irish had trouble mounting any offense as the Bulldogs’ relentless approach and commitment to defending the front prevented any true prospect of scoring.
Meanwhile, Decatur’s ball-handing was superior, and it was swift at transitioning from defense to offense. Hooten scored twice, as did Karmen Duchon, and Gabriel Lahowitch added another.
For Decatur’s success, they get to meet reigning champion Lovett in the next round.
Some prize.
It’s a good time at Decatur, though. The boys soccer team, under the direction of first-year coach Chris Hambie, has been stellar as well and has advanced to the quarterfinals to face Pace Friday night.
“With the talent and experience we have, I’d be surprised if we were not in the position we’re in,” Januzelli said of her team. “I teach part-time so I can coach these girls, and they sure make it a lot of fun.”
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