Soccer girls are all smiles as they go undefeated so far

To be undefeated and untouchable is every team’s dream, and after beating out every competitor so far, the girl’s soccer team has started the season in just that way. They work hard at practice, and strive to be victorious at every game. Every undefeated game just boosts that strive for winning, and they seem unstoppable.

After a rousing defeat of Ridgeway (3-0) and winning by forfeit over Immaculate Conception, the girls played against Southwind on Sept. 2. In that game, the girls walked away with a 10-0 victory. The ball remained in the other team’s half for most of the game as the goal-driven girls pushed and pushed for each goal. The Bartlett Soccerplex fields did provide a challenge because the boundaries are not clearly marked, so both teams kicked the ball out of bounds numerous times. Instead of getting frustrated, the girls simply laughed it off and kept the momentum of the game going. With frequent goals from girls like Shelby Stallsmith and Mariah Martini, they walked away with a high score and left the other team with nothing.

Their next game ended in victory over Millington with a score of 3-0, and this past weekend’s tournament garnered them three more wins: 3-0 over Liberty, 1-0 over TCA, and 4-2 over Westview.

It is right to say our girls have game. But will it last?

“I’m hoping for a victorious season. I want the goal to be undefeated. But even in that, I want them to play their best and have fun,” said Coach Catherine Jones.

To ensure the girls do not get too comfortable, Jones said that they will do plenty more conditioning. She plans to do more dynamic exercises with the girls, teaching them strategies to get and contain the ball.

Jones hopes that the girls on her team this year will not only bond in a social way, but also as a team of players. The girls want this as well.

“I want us to grow as a team, and win. Because once we grow together, we play better [together], and win,” said sophomore Morgan Shelton.

Girl’s soccer is only beginning to take off, and so far it’s starting off with five consecutive wins. Let’s cheer on the girls as they try to dominate this season.

Sports Brief: Tennis has two undefeated

The Bartlett tennis team is having a winning streak this season, but only two players have perfect records thus far: senior Kristin Groninger and sophomore Jimmy Walker.

“Kristin has been playing since she was, like, eight,” sophomore Anne Albert said. “She’s really good.”

Groninger and Walker, along with the rest of the tennis team, will progress to the district tournament in early May at Rhodes College. Team competitions will take place May 5-6, and individual matches will take place May 7-10.