Hinesville’s 10U Gator girls’ soccer team placed second in the 20th annual Piggly Wiggly Shootout held March 26-27 in Mount Pleasant, S.C.

The girls beat the Mount Pleasant Lightning Bolts 8-6 in the first game of the tournament.

The Gator offense was led by Makayla Robinson and Haley Stewart. Robinson scored five goals and Stewart added three.

"Midfielder Hope Mostellar provided strong offense by sending the ball continuously up field," Gator coach Debbie Robinson said. "Hannah Osteen, Maddie Burris, and newcomer Shayla DeDe held their line on defense against a powerful offensive team. Goalie Jada Rogers showed her skill in the box, preventing several shots on goal."

That evening the Gators played in rain. The girls struggled through slippery wet grass to try and pull out a win but lost an ugly battle against the Easley Soccer Club 4-0.

The coach said that although the loss was disappointing, it didn’t damper the girls’ spirits. The Gators rebounded with a 3-2 win over the Mount Pleasant Freedom. Mostellar led the team with three goals. Makayla Robinson and Haley Stewart had assists.

Osteen, Burris,and DeDe led the team defensively and coach Robinson said Gators keeper Jada Rogers, who allowed only two goals, had her best game of the tournament. .

The Gator girls finished 2-1 with 18 points.

"They never gave up," Robinson said. "The team went up against girls that were older and bigger but they held their own and gave 100 percent. As their coach I couldn’t be prouder of them and I’m looking forward to a great spring season."