Bulldogs season ends with 1-0 loss at No. 13 PRCC

POPLARVILLE — Mississippi Gulf Coast came up just a hair short in their return to the postseason Monday night, falling 1-0 to No. 13 Pearl River.

The loss in the NJCAA Gulf South District quarterfinals ended the Bulldogs season, but the Bulldogs won seven more games this year than last.

"I don't think we were at our best tonight, and Pearl River caused us issues," Gulf Coast Ryan Joiner said. "That's what they do. They have a great staff and a great group of players. I thought we were a little unlucky in moments, but that's part of the game. Soccer is gonna be a one-goal game in situations like this, and they found it and we didn't, unfortunately."

The Wildcats (12-5) got a 67th-minute goal, and Gulf Coast had a goal by Morgan Pickering (So., Wiggins/Stone) from a corner kick scramble a few minutes later waved off when the offside flag was raised.

Pickering, a team captain, was part of a group that led the way to elevating the program this year.

"I'm thankful for the sophomore class," Joiner said. "I'm thankful for those girls who came in and trusted us and contributed in every kind of way, whether they played 90 minutes or were on the bench. They're a blessing for us, and we're excited for their careers and their futures after Gulf Coast." 

Leah Capiola (Fr., Wiggins/Stone) had eight saves for the Bulldogs.

Gulf Coast finishes the 2023 season with a 10-6-1, reaching double-digit wins for the first time since 2016. The finished fifth in the MACCC after failing to make the playoffs the last two seasons.

"I think people can see we're growing as a program," Joiner said. "I think we set the foundation for what we want to do and where we want to be in the future. It's going to help us in recruiting, and we have a great group of girls who are going to return next year and make these sophomores proud." 

For more information on MGCCC's 11 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCBulldogs on Twitter and MGCCCBulldogs on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.