Fourth year head coach Melissa Carroll of the Lady Raiders is excited about next season’s new region that her Lady Raiders will be in.
Despite going 5-11 overall and 1-8 in Region 6-6A, Carroll knows next year’s new region will be better for her girls who have put in all the hard work over the last few years.
“It’s been tough in the region that we’re in because they’re one of the best, if not the best, in the state,” says Carroll about the current region. “I’m very proud of the girls and how well they have fought through every single game and not given up.”
Habersham Central’s five wins to date matches last season’s total and is the most since a 6-9-1 season in 2012. This girls team has shown its improvement, as evident by the 2-1 start to the season with wins over Discovery and Central Gwinnett, both out of region. Add in an impressive 2-1 win over Flowery Branch in a scrimmage, and the Lady Raiders were essentially 3-1 in the first four matches.
“I’m very proud of the girls and how well they have fought through every single game and not given up.” -Head Coach Melissa Carroll
The Lady Raiders began April with back-to-back non-region wins over Stephens County and Highlands, both 3-1 victories. The lone region win came against North Forsyth, a 2-1 win on March 15.
Out of region, the girls are 4-3, scoring 18 goals to 14 allowed. Compare that to 1-8 in region play with just 4 goals scored to 46 allowed. In seven of the eight region losses, the girls were shut out. These numbers back up Carroll’s statements regarding the strength of the current region. It’s no surprise the team is looking forward to next year’s change.
“I’m so excited [for the new region],” says Carroll. “There are only six teams, so only five other opponents to play, and they should be more ‘our level’ of play. It will still be very competitive.”
No coaches are immune to turnover, and Carroll is no exception.
“We’re losing some really good seniors,” states Carroll. “We’ll have to find some skill spots [to replace them]. “But I’m pretty excited about the group coming up and the girls that will be coming back. We’ll start working at the end of summer and into the fall.”
Carroll’s Lady Raiders have two games remaining on the slate, both non-region contests. The Lady Raiders play host to North Oconee (12-2-1) tonight, and Oconee County (9-4-1) on Friday night to close the season.
