Published: May 20, 2008 10:45 pm            

Tazewell’s SWD title has been a team effort

TAZEWELL, Va. — Title time in Tazewell arrived Monday on the strength of a thrilling two-goal effort from Cara Cecil, Breanne Vencill’s score, and an unceasing defensive effort by goal keeper Tracy Muncy.

Patty Gail Cecil’s Lady Bulldogs soccer squad (12-4-1, 8-2-1) earned a second straight Southwest District regular season championship with a hard-fought victory over the battling Graham G-Girls.

“We wanted to prove we could (win) and now we have to keep working hard to advance for our seniors and supporters,” says Vencill.

“Beating Graham and Abingdon are the keys to this championship,” grinned Cecil, “because those two are the best teams, the toughest teams, in our district.”

Wednesday host Tazewell takes on Carroll County in the opening round of the SWD tournament at Lincolnshire Park. Graham will play Abingdon in the first game of the night.

Getting to this point has been a true team effort but since senior star Abbey Kitts’ ankle injury a month ago, Muncy’s goal play has been a big spark.

“Tracy has had eight shutouts and a combined shutout with my freshmen Alex Gallagher and Cara Branch.” notes Cecil. “Our midfield play has really stepped up since Abbey got hurt.”

Coach Cecil comments, “We certainly miss Abbey on the field. She was a great spark but she has kept us going in practice since then. With her experience, she helps with our preparation before matches and while the matches are going on. She (Abbey) has continued to be a big help.”

Cara Cecil, whose two goals Monday brought her season total to 15, says, “The Graham match was fun. We made some early mistakes but worked hard in the second half to correct those. They played really well and we had to work hard right to the last play.”

Heather Wells, one of the Lady Dogs’ most versatile performers, observes, “Our defense starts with the offense. For us, Molly Thompson has stepped up and been a leader. She’s lightning in the backfield, she is the defensive leader — she instructs us and directs us.

“Kathyrn Lambert, Lindsey Christian, Adrian Robinett are all doing well. (Assistant coach) Matthew Sarver weaves players in and out to maintain flow of game and that is big plus.”

Cara Cecil says, “I try to put myself in position on offense. I do as I’m told. Having (assistant coach) Tim Kitts, Abbey’s dad, on the sidelines, is great. He directs me, keeps me going, and knows how I play. Coach Cecil does an awesome job leading us.”

Vencill, tabbed “Midfield Lightning” by her teammates, has been a leader all season. Wells adds, “Laken McReynolds fills in with two rockets — one on either foot and has a really stepped up. Haylee Walker is also coming along great as a freshman.”

Muncy adds, “We want to show our opponents how true teamwork succeeds in this tournament. I am going to try hard to do my job, control that 18-yard box, and I believe my teammates are going to do their jobs.”

        

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