On Tuesday the Liberty County High School ladies soccer team traveled over to Long County for a big 2-AAA Region matchup. With the playoffs just around the corner both teams were looking to win this game to help secure a higher seeding in the standings. The game had the intensity of two boxers slugging it out in prize fight, and it took an overtime period before the Lady Tide secured the 2-1 victory. Karelis Jones and Kylee Proffitt put up the two goals for Long County, while Kayla Hernandez put up the one score for Liberty County.
Lady Tide head coach Sabrina Caines said that getting this win was crucial for her team if they were to have any chance of securing the number two spot in the region standings.
“This win puts us in a better position for the second seed in the region, it is also a big confidence boost as we go into the last of our region games”, said Caines.
Caines said her entire team played well against the Lady Panthers, but one player garnered individual recognition.
“I was very pleased by my team’s performance, I’m finally seeing some improvements in our passing game. Adelle Cook was a valuable player and filled both offensive and defensive positions for us tonight, versatile players are hard to find and Cook can be called on to give her all in any position”, said Caines.
Caines also commented on her team’s final three games and just how important each one is.
“We need to win our last three region games against teams that we already have a win against this season, we are working toward clinching that number two spot”, said Caines.
Liberty County head coach Marissa Kerins also praised her team’s effort and said that the players had shown dedication all season to get better each week.
“I am extremely proud of the girls this season, we have a lot of girls that came out for soccer for the first time and have made tremendous progress I’m most proud that no matter what, my girls fight until the clock runs out, with good sportsmanship. During the Long County game I was so impressed to see such effort, despite the 88 degree heat, we continued to make good plays as we passed down the field and showed great defense through marking up. Though there is always room for improvement, we showed that we are learning and mastering the skills that we have been practicing so diligently, we now just have to fine-tune and continue to strive to do better each game”, said Kerins.
Kerins also commented on several of her team’s players and how important they have been this year.
“This season we are fortunate to have four captains, Sidney Wilkinson, Andrea Redding, Tia Anderson, and Carmae Gumataotao, each of which have stepped up to lead in amazing ways. Sidney is currently leading the league in points (43) and goals (21). Another great addition to our team is (goalie) Madison Winn, she has shown amazing talent in the net and has made an incredible impact on this team”, said Kerins.
Kerins also praised her players’ efforts both on the field and in the classroom.
“Overall, it is so refreshing to have a group of girls dedicated to getting better, they practice on the weekends, on days off, and many of them run a mile before each practice as a warm up. In addition to their performance on the field…they are just as impressive in the classroom”, said Kerins.
On Friday both teams were back on the field with Liberty County (6-6 overall and 5-3 in the region) taking on Tattnall County (4-6) in Reidsville, and Long County (4-6 and 3-3) taking on Appling County (0-9) in Baxley. Results for those games were not available in time for this story.
On Tuesday both teams are back at home as Long County host Brantley County (6-4), and Liberty County host Pierce County (12-0). Both games begin at 5:00 PM.