GUYTON -- A new attitude resulted in a winning altitude for the South Effingham girls soccer team.

The Lady Mustangs will enter next week's Class AAAAA playoffs competing at their highest level of the season. They closed the regular campaign Tuesday with a 4-2 home victory against Wayne County.

"We have to be (playing at our highest level). I don't think we have any other choice," South Effingham coach Amanda Johnson said. "I think where we are is the peak of our season."

Johnson said the reason for her team's surge is clear.

"We're finally playing as a team and I think that was the lacking point that we needed to figure out," Johnson said. "Everyone is doing their part and holding each other accountable. We have been doing a lot of team bonding. We have 'encouragement buddies' every day at practice.

"It's selflessness more than anything."

The Lady Mustangs got their goals from Ella Higdon (2), Katelyn Ladner and Kristen Clark.

South Effingham will host a Region 1-AAAAA team, likely Warner Robins, on April 24 in the opening round of the state playoffs.

See the April 25 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.