Decatur’s Girls Varsity Soccer Team won 8-1 against Veterans High School on Monday, advancing to their first elite eight since the ‘18 – ’19 season. Senior Zuri Murph led the Bulldogs with a two goal performance, earning player of the game. Junior Hazel Altizer also had a strong performance, notching a goal and two assists. 

Although Veterans was undefeated in region play during the 2022 season, Decatur entered the match ranked higher by MaxPreps in Class 5A based on a tougher schedule. 

The Bulldogs triumphed 1-0 over Calhoun in their first round matchup. Senior Caroline Jordan scored the game winner in the second half of play, while Decatur’s back line and freshman goalkeeper Maddie Cooper held Calhoun scoreless. 

Jordan leads the Bulldogs with nine goals and seven assists on the season. 

The team broke what some called the “Calhoun Curse,” after Decatur’s football, basketball, and softball teams all lost to Calhoun in postseason play. Head Coach Doug Altizer explained that Decatur controlled the game from the whistle, but struggled to find the net until Jordan’s goal. 

“As a group we always have a game plan for each team we face. We have played the best teams in the state during the regular season so we know we are capable of competing with the best,” Altizer said.

The Bulldogs will face off against Jackson County April 25th for a place in the final four. Jackson County reached the third round with wins over Stars Mill and Chapel Hill after placing first in their region. Decatur finished third in their respective region.

“For the next round we are just trying to focus on the basics,” Altizer said. “We need to keep doing all the little things well and the results will fall into place.”