From Staff Reports
Starkville Academy soccer coach Robert Garnder likes the progression of his Lady Volunteers.
“Sometimes, it takes one-third of the season before you really know your personnel and you know all the best combinations,” Garnder said.
The combinations worked to perfection Wednesday afternoon as Starkville Academy shut out Heritage Academy, 8-0.
“We played well in all phases of the game,” Gardner said. “The main thing has been communication on defense. I think that is where we have made the biggest strides.”
Senior Jessica Dennis paced the offensive attack with three goals. Eighth-grader Sydney Passons added two scores. Sophomore Anna McKell, sophomore Jordan Jackson and eighth-grader Savannah Hubbard had the other scores.
Senior Garland Wilcutt and sophomore Janiece Pigg combined for the shutout in goal.
“We lost a lot of players off last year’s team,” Gardner said. “So, it has taken us a little while to become more consistent.
“I like where we are headed into the rest of the games on our conference schedule.”
n Heritage wins in softball: At Jackson, Heritage Academy posted a 13-0 victory over Jackson Academy in fast-pitch softball action Wednesday.
“This was an important game for us because it was a district game and gives us a chance at a better seed in the north state tournament,” Heritage Academy coach Gary Harris said. “And even though they have struggled this year, it’s still JA.”
For Heritage (8-5), Tori Denson had three hits and Shiloh Ellis had two hits.
Winning pitcher Madison Sears drove in three runs, while Katlyn Petty, Tyler Rhett and Ellis each had two RBIs.
“I was very pleased with some of our younger girls,” Harris said. “Tori Denson had three hits and she is a seventh grader.
“Madison was extremely sharp in this game. I think the rest did her some good. She is such a quiet competitor.”
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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