The Bainbridge Spartans were shocked 2-1 on the road against Lakes in the second round of the girls soccer playoffs last weekend.

The Spartans were the 17th seed because they were a play-in team since they compete in the 2A Olympic League, but are a 3A-sized school.

Even though they were a low seed, Bainbridge was ranked fifth in the state and on a 15-game winning streak after their first-round playoff win over Prairie 3-1. The Spartans only had two losses heading into the playoffs, both coming in September against Top 15 3A teams.

In addition, the Spartans had outscored opponents 64-7 during that winning streak.

Although the Spartans were tearing up the pitch, they had one issue that plagued them during the season. Bainbridge started games sluggish, and coach Katie Drovdahl fixed that within a handful of games.

“We have been trying to mentally focus on coming out at the whistle and be ready to dictate the play of the game,” Drovdahl said. “We have done a much better job making teams adjust to us.”

The Spartans needed to work on their chemistry.

“A lot of the girls have played together a lot, and I thought they should have tons of chemistry, but it took a little while for it to click,” Drovdahl said. “We have a really good trajectory heading into the playoffs.”

Although the Spartans had not faced a higher-tier opponent since September, they were eager for the challenge.

“We are healthy and have a lot of motivation,” Drovdahl said before the Prairie game. “We are excited but we are realistic that it will be a big challenge. They will be physical, and the speed of play will be quicker.”

Competing in a play-in game is another challenge. “It’s tricky being the only team because you have to play in to get into the playoffs. If I were them, I would want to come out and defend their league” Drovdahl said of Prairie.

The team was led by its six seniors, but it has plenty of underclassmen, too, including sophomore Riley Butler up from JV. In her two varsity games before playoffs, Butler had two goals and multiple shots on target.

“We have a deep roster,” Drovdahl said. “There is not really a weak spot for us on the field. However, we are not going into it thinking we deserve it. We are working hard for it.”

The Spartans issues reappeared as they struggled to dictate the game against Lakes. Bainbridge ended the season 15-3-0.