RIDGELAND

Long-time Ridgeland assistant and first-year head coach Nic Storr said his team’s run to the playoffs has been “fantastic”.

“This is all on the players, especially these seven seniors that have been multi-year starters,” he explained. “This is all their doing.”

Fans were barely in their seats on Tuesday when Annabelle Casto gave Ridgeland a 1-0 lead just 22 seconds into the contest. They would maintain the margin through halftime and Ragan Wimpee would make it 2-0 a minute into the second half.

Pickens would finally get on the board in the 46th minute and both teams would miss chances to score in a frantic final five minutes.

Angelica Crowe saw two low shots miss the left corner of the Pickens net by mere inches, while Ridgeland keeper Riley McBee had to go up high to bat down a dangerous ball from the Dragons with just over two minutes showing on the clock.

Pickens would keep up the pressure in the final 120 seconds, but Ridgeland closed out another stout defensive effort. It was the Lady Panthers’ sixth time allowing one goal or less this season.

Storr said a recent switch to a diamond formation on defense has paid dividends as the Lady Panthers are 3-0 with only one goal given up since the strategic move.

“We haven’t won a single game this year by more than one goal,” he added. “But that’s due to our defense being really solid. We’ve really been able to stop some teams that have been scoring.”

Ridgeland has four non-region matches left on the schedule and those matches will now serve as tuneups for Ridgeland’s long-awaited return to the playoffs on April 22.

“Making the playoffs (is) a great reward for them,” he added. “It shows that hard work pays off. Hopefully next year, when these seniors have left, those who are left behind will see what hard work does and will carry on that kind of leadership.”

Pickens boys 11, Ridgeland 1

Sam Dickson scored the only goal for the Panthers (1-8-1, 0-6) in last Tuesday’s nightcap.