Lady Warriors to defend ‘D’ title

By Gloria Austin  
Staff Writer
    Being an undefeated team is tough. Being the top team in Class D is even harder. Trying to repeat a state title, extremely difficult. But, that is reality facing the Southern Aroostook Lady Warriors as playoffs begin.
    The No. 1 Lady Warriors with a 14-0 season record hosted No. 8 Fort Fairfield in Dyer Brook yesterday. The winner advances to the semifinals to face the winner of No. 4 Bangor Christian/No. 5 Easton.
    When asked if the Lady Warriors were feeling the pressure of defending their state title, Southern Aroostook coach Holly Vining said it best.
    “Isn’t pressure synonymous with playoffs? Sure, we’re all feeling it,” she said. “I think every team which is fortunate enough to make the playoffs is feeling it.”
    Vining said her team spent the last three months working for their position and the right to reach postseason.
CONTROL – SACS freshman Elizabeth Bishop gets ready to trap and control the ball against a Katadin defender during a regular season game in Dyer Brook. The Lady Warriors are defending their Class D state title as the playoffs begin.
    “We’re excited to have the opportunity to host again and hopefully will come out strong and ready to play,” she said. “There’s no question these girls work hard and play with passion making them a fun team to watch and coach. They know what it takes to succeed in this sport, which definitely gives them an advantage going into postseason.”  
    The Lady Warriors and Tigers did not play each other this season, but they had a few common opponents. With not much but a scouting report, Vining knows her team and recognizes her girls need to be composed.
    “Every team becomes much more determined and capable during playoffs,” said Vining. “If we play the type of defense we’re capable of, I think it will be a great game. Our communication, passing and defense will be critical to our success and we’re striving to perfect it every day.”
    Vining is hoping that her team comes out pumped, without any slack.
    “We’ve had a couple of weeks’ of down time,” said Vining. The Lady Warriors’ season ended Oct. 14. “It’s been a struggle at times staying focused. It’s hard for the girls to get excited about practicing this late in the season, but hopefully it is helping to get them ready for next week and making them even more excited to be back on the field.”
    The Lady Warriors may be feeling a twinge of nervousness, realizing nine seniors have only this time to make another title run.
    “I think the pressure for us comes from going undefeated this season and from having so many upperclassmen, who will never have another shot in high school soccer,” said Vining.