The Benton Lady Tigers’ historic season came to and end Monday.
The No. 3 seed Lady Tigers fell to No. 6 Lafayette 2-0 in the Division I quarterfinals at Airline Stadium.
The loss doesn’t diminish what Benton accomplished this season.
“Overall there’s only one real way to describe this season and that’s historic,” Benton Head Coach Jesse Dyer said in an e-mail message. “This team has accomplished things never done before by Benton soccer, from first wins over local opponents, to multiple home playoff games, to an undefeated regular season at home.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this team and what they’ve accomplished. The only thing to do now is reflect on our success, learn from our failures, and come back with a hunger to go even farther.
“I am thankful for this team, these parents, and this community for the love they’ve shown for the game of soccer. Tiger Pride.”
Benton loses four seniors — goalkeeper Ava Moore, LeTourneau University signee Lana Whiteman, Isabella Sprague and Ryanne Caple.
“We had two seniors, five juniors, six sophomores and one freshman see the field (Monday) night, so we will definitely be back strong next year,” Dyer said.
Benton, which completed its third year in Division I, finished 20-4-3. The Lady Tigers reached the quarterfinals for the first time as a member of Division I.
They started the season with a 15-match unbeaten streak including 14 wins. Their only losses in the regular season were to 2024 Division I champion St. Scholastica, Division II quarterfinalist Ben Franklin and Byrd, which will take on Lafayette (21-3-2) in the semifinals.