STARKVILLE — Starkville Academy girls’ soccer picked up another win on Thursday, extending their current streak to four in a row. The Vols took down Bayou 3-1 in the final regular season home game, celebrating seven seniors, two of whom got on the scoresheet.
“They’re a special group,” Vols head coach Boston Hampton said of the senior class. “It’s a big group and they’ve played together for a long time, for school and club. We honored them, I didn’t say too much other than it’s my one season with them and they’ve been a blessing to me both as soccer players and as people.”
Elizabeth Fair opened the scoring just a couple of minutes before halftime, firing a low shot from a wide angle to beat the goalkeeper. The second half brought more goals from seniors Sara Stokes McReynolds, whose low shot was fumbled by the Bayou keeper and Rylee Fisher, who saw a pass intended for Fair bounce past the keeper and in.
The Colts did get a goal back late, a small blemish on an otherwise spotless night for goalkeeper Chandler Nettles after she made several saves to keep the game level in the first half.
“It’s pretty special,” McReynolds said of the win. “I’ve played with these girls for many years, so it’s a special year and hopefully, we can finish it out.”
McReynolds spoke after the game about the special night and the positive season that the seniors hope to continue. Losing to Bayou at the beginning of the season stuck with them, but it’s a different Vols team now, one that showed a lot of confidence and attacking prowess on Thursday.
“It’s hopefully not our last time playing on this field, but it was a good night,” McReynolds added. “Definitely turned around from last time, we went down and lost 1-0, in a sand storm, so it’s a nice win on Senior Night.”
With one more game left in the regular season, the Vols are starting to think about the playoffs and a chance to challenge for the ultimate prize. It’s what the team has been working for all season, and it’s a goal that Hampton laid out for his team early on.
When he first took the job back in May, Hampton recognized the talent in the team. He used to coach many of the senior class at club level in Starkville. After some early losses, the Vols found prolific form in front of goal. Their current streak of four wins in a row showcased that goalscoring talent and defensive prowess and has them believing in themselves ahead of the postseason.
“We feel great, we’re still 100% and keeping the state championship in our sights,” Hampton said. “It’s a competitive schedule all around our division, so it’s going to be good competitive soccer. I’m confident the girls can do it.”
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