Lady Vols earn sixth shutout
A little practice with the boys has made Chandler Nettles already an outstanding goal keeper for the Starkville Academy Lady Volunteers as an eighth grader.
In the offseason, Starkville Academy soccer coach John Morgan allowed Nettles the opportunity to take shots in the goal from the boys team.
That helped Nettles sharpen her skill in the blocking shots area and it has paid off so far this season.
Nettles and the Lady Vols recorded their sixth shutout of the season on Tuesday night with a 5-0 victory over Magnolia Heights at the
Starkville Sportsplex.
Starkville Academy improved their records to 10-31 overall and 4-0 in 4A-division II East.
Being able to practice with the boys team gave Nettles the confidence needed to perform the task for the Lady Vols.
“Confidence is a key thing to have because if you are scared, you don’t need to be a goalie,” Nettles said.
Nettles has now tied last year’s goal keeper Meri Laci Archer with six shutouts.
Three of those shutouts have come against district competition, which Morgan said is the best time to step up.
“We
definitely want to win as many of those district games as we can,” Morgan said. “Those are always going to be important.”
After being pushed a little early by the Lady Chiefs, Starkville Academy were able to take control of the match as Lauren Bock led the way with three goals.
“Magnolia Heights did some good things early to make things difficult on us and it showed, but at the end of the day, I think our girls were able to push through, persevere, find that gap and get the win that they needed,” Morgan said.
Kaitlyn Bock and Mia Kate Cade scored one goal each for the Lady Vols.
Starkville Academy was able to go into Senatobia and defeat Magnolia Heights 4-0 a couple of weeks ago, so Morgan knew it wasn’t going to necessarily be an easy match the second time around.
“The team that wins previously is often at the most disadvantage because the team that loses knows what needs to be fixed and they can go in and make things difficult,” Morgan said. “Which they did. Our girls battled through, found the openings and we were able to get the win.”
The Lady Vols will be back at home Thursday in another district match against rival Heritage Academy. Varsity action is scheduled first at 5:30 p.m.