The girls soccer team redeemed its regular season loss with an impressive 1-0 over the 7-6-1 Churchill Bulldogs in its first playoff game Oct. 31.

The teams came out ready to battle for the victory, as they have had a history of heated rivalry for many years. The first half passed with both teams attacking each other’s goals, but the goalies were flawless in protecting the net, and the half ended 0-0.

With about thirty minutes left in the second half, forward Andrea McDonald charged the goal, approaching the ball with a lot of speed to prepare for a shot. As McDonald kicked the ball, Churchill’s goalie threw her body against the ball and stopped the shot, colliding full-force with McDonald.

McDonald’s knee gave out against the force of the goalie’s weight. She was down, her knee dislocated, all present silent in respect. An ambulance was called immediately and McDonald was rushed to a hospital to receive further care. McDonald will not be able to play for several weeks, but she is expected to make a full recovery with minimal chance of needing surgery.

Resuming the game after the devastating injury, the Vikings came out with new intensity to honor their teammate. Midfielder Aliza Wolfe constantly pushed the ball up the field with her speed and quick passes. After battling for over an hour, Wolfe lodged the ball over Churchill’s defense to midfielder Michelle Innerarity, who calmly struck the ball into the right corner of the net to score the first and only goal of the game.

The defense worked well to keep the ball on the Bulldogs’ side of the field. Defender Lottie Nalls anchored the defense throughout the game, clearing the ball out of danger whenever it looked as though Churchill was breaking through the defensive line.

As the whistle blew at the end of the game, the Vikes rushed onto the field in celebration of Innerarity’s goal and the dramatic victory.

“We did really well as a team and together and I’m so glad we won,” Innerarity said. “It’s just really nice to win against them.”

As they move on to regional semifinals, the Vikes will face off against the 11-1-1 Gaithersburg Trojans Nov. 2 at Walter Johnson at 5.