Could you hear the distant roar that rose from Scotland Yard throughout September? That was the sound of Covenant students cheering as the Lady Scots won their first home game, then earned a Homecoming victory, and continued to score wins all across the South East.
Covenant soccer is in full swing, and the women’s team is in the midst of an impressive season. As of October 3, their overall record is eight wins with only two losses. Out of seven conference games, the team has won six, and hopes for leading the conference are high. Under the coaching of Mark Duble, Anne Charlotte Hooper, Allen Duble, and Gene Ezell, this year’s team thrives. From freshman to seniors, the Lady Scots continue to work hard for their success.
Covenant started out with a loss to Berry, but quickly came back with a win against Sewanee that led into a six game winning streak. The streak continued until losing to Maryville on September 28. The Lady Scots faced Wesleyan and Agnes Scott soon after and prevailed against both schools. Coming up this weekend on Friday October 7, the team plays Huntingdon, and on the 8th they play LaGrange.
Having already played every team in the conference, prospects are looking good for winning the conference. According to first year assistant coach Anne Charlotte Hooper, it’s been a long time coming for the girls to come away with a conference championship, and their hard work is paying off.
Hosting the USA South Tournament is a goal that the team is working towards. Five out of the seven games left in the regular season are home games, and with only one conference loss so far, the team is looking forward to rematches against the teams that they have already beat.
Covenant ended last year’s season with ten wins, five losses, and a tied game, losing three conference games. This year they aim for an even better record.
Senior leadership on the team is a key part of Covenant’s promising season. Additionally, strong freshman talent helps boost the team, especially after losing last year’s seniors. Assistant Coach Hooper spoke proudly of Gabby Powell and Kaitlyn Winking, the team captains. These two, among the other seniors, provide strong leadership, guiding the team towards victory. Andrea Roylston, Natalie Smith, and Kaitlyn Winking build a solid wall of defense, while Summer Bader and Gabby Powell run the midfield. Savanna Cingilli and Anna Porch dominate as forwards, and Jordan Brett backs sophomore Rachel Lemay as the second-string goalkeeper.
After losing last year’s seniors, it was important for this year’s freshmen to jump in and contribute this season. Lizzie Hightower, playing midfield, scored goal after goal for the Scots before she was injured. Though her injury is a blow to the team, the other freshmen fill out the roster and are certain to rise to the occasion. Ashlyn Franks, Abby Gienapp, Riley Battenfield, and Anna Robertson fill out this year’s roster, along with the other returning players whose roles are equally important.
All of the girls have worked hard to get where they are, and they deserve the success that they have achieved. Under the careful guidance of Coach Duble and his staff, the team is prepared to put forth the effort needed for the rest of the season. Dynamic leadership from senior players is key to the team’s success, and the freshman continue to rise to the standards set by their older teammates.
With high ambitions, Covenant enters into a string of home games. Head down to Scotland Yard for exciting matches this promising October, and cheer as the Lady Scots aim for a conference win.