In any sports, defense wins championships. It’s one of the oldest adages, but it usually produces results.
Savannah Country Day’s girls’ soccer team has played it to near perfection throughout the season. In their 16 games, the Hornets (14-2) have allowed a measly 16 goals. Yes, that’s not a typo.
Fresh off their 10-0 shutout over Christian Heritage in the opening round of the GHSA Class A-3A Private playoffs, the Hornets will host Walker (9-5) in a second-round game Thursday.
Head coach David Hooker hasn’t been totally surprised with his team’s play.
“I was confident we could do well this season if I could find the right chemistry and players could understand their new roles,” said Hooker. “If we are mentally focused and work hard to translate what we work on in training to the match, then we are a tough team to beat.”
Hooker credited their stingy defensive play to partnership of Henley Schivera and Madison Bueno along with the play of outside backs Molly Hildebrandt and Sarah Catherine Gilpin. Goalie Bella Grace Baker also has been an anchor, along with Lauren Lewis and Mary Mobley Varnedoe.
“We have been able to match up well against the opposition and limit the play of our opponents,” stressed Hooker. “We have been able to make the game more predictable defensively.”
Hooker has been impressed with the growth of Baker in the net, and her play has been integral to their success.
“Bella Grace Baker has been solid,” said Hooker. “With a strong defensive unit in front of her, she has honestly had little to do in many of our matches this season. But she has come up with some big saves vs St. Vincent’s and Richmond Hill when we have needed her to do so.
“This is a credit to her, because one of the difficult aspects of goalkeeping is always being mentally focused, especially when for much of a game you have very little to do and face hardly any shots, and then all of a sudden you are called on to make an important save. I think Bella Grace has done this for us recently, and she has grown more confident as the season has progressed.”
On the other side of the ball, the Hornets have been paced by four players, who have recorded double-digit goals. Kate Hunter lead the team with 21 goals, followed by Reese Bailey (17), Harris Stone (12), and Sophia Okumu (11). Harris had the hat trick against Christian Heritage.
Hunter has been sidelined with an injury, but she is expected to return to the lineup Thursday. A sophomore, Hunter has blossomed into a steady scorer.
Kate is a talented player,” beamed Hooker. “She has worked on her game in the offseason, and you can tell in training and in matches that she is difficult to defend. She played mainly on the wing last season, but we needed her to move to forward this season. Her speed and physicality as an attacker allow her to run balls down in behind, and her ability to hold possession under pressure helps us when we transition forward.”
In spite of their success, Hooker believes his team can reach another level in the postseason.
“I think so,” offered Hooker. “I think our difficult non-region schedule has helped us prepare for the playoffs. The challenge now for us is to be mentally prepared for each match. We must start each match strong and stay alert at all times because as you progress in the playoffs, it is the little things that matter because all teams are strong and all have good players.
“Any lapse in concentration can cost you. You must also compete and have belief. You must be confident, but not overconfident or arrogant. You must expect to win when you walk on the field and have confidence in your ability, your preparation, and your teammates. The margin of victory is slim and much of it now is mental.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy Savannah Country Day Athletic Department
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