The Morgan County girls soccer team has enjoyed a successful start to its season.
After last Tuesday’s 10-0 region victory against Westside (Macon), the Lady Dogs hold an 8-2 record.
Morgan County head coach Anne Stamps appreciates the depth of this season’s team. The Lady Dogs have a deep roster filled with contributors, but they are veteran-led with seven seniors.
Stamps, a longtime head coach at Morgan County, acknowledged the significance of this year’s senior class.
“We did lose some key components to the squad after we graduated last year’s class, but I have been very pleased with the freshmen who have come into the program and the leadership of the returning players,” Stamps said. “This senior class is made up of well-seasoned, selfless players.”
Seniors Ari Paine, Mia McClain, Kate Reynolds, and Jaden Young have made significant contributions during their four-year careers as Lady Dogs, particularly this season. Each has played a key role in leading the team this year and helping set the program up for success in the future.
However, younger players like Molly Mockaitis, Chloe Cook, and Addy Green have also stepped up.
The blend of seniors taking the lead and younger players stepping up has proven to be an effective combination. The team plays and communicates together on the pitch, which has led to eight wins.
Another strength of Morgan County is its ability to rotate multiple players across various positions.
The Lady Dogs have witnessed both older and younger players moving around the pitch and contributing in different ways.
“This team is built of players who can play multiple positions,” Stamps said. “This lends to one of the biggest strengths of the squad.”
Morgan County didn’t win a region title and was eliminated in the second round of the state playoffs last year. So, this season, the Lady Dogs are hungry to capture another region title and make it past the second round. Their seniors want to make a deep run in the postseason.
Stamps said the team’s goal this season is to win another region title and make it to the Final Four. She hopes her players can step up in the next few weeks to make that happen.
Stamps acknowledged how she believes this team’s best soccer is coming up.
“With only a handful of games left in the regular season, I feel very good about where we are,” Stamps said. “We are continuing to adjust our formations, trying to maximize the potential of our personnel. It’s been a fun season with a great group of girls.”