ATHENS- They were close, but just not close enough.

The Clarke Central Lady Gladiators fell 4-1 last night to Heritage at home in Billy Henderson Stadium. A win would have landed the Lady Gladiators in the Region 8-AAAAA playoffs for the first time since 2009.

Their star sophomore, Alexa Bernal, scored Clarke Central’s lone goal last night

We talked to Clarke Central Soccer coach Chris Hulse before the game last night, and Coach Hulse explained how good of an opponent Heritage is and their illustrious history in soccer, saying, “When I came in to Clarke Central 10 years ago, I had a conception of Heritage soccer already, they’re going to be talented. They’re going to be very well organized. Their coach is extremely good at making adjustments.”

Last night’s game was the last game of the season for Clarke Central.