The 2019 campaign for Warrior girls soccer is very much underway and early on the team is focused on meeting — and exceeding — the goals they have set for the season. With dreams of making it to state and competing for the coveted state title, the squad hopes that this year’s accumulation of new star talent and veteran leadership will be the perfect combination to finally emerge victorious.

The season kicked off Feb. 1st with a scrimmage against Chamblee at North Atlanta, where the Warriors got get an early preview about what kind of roster strengths they have and how they will size up against their competition. The team’s first game on Feb. 4 against APS rival Grady set the season up nicely with a 2 to 1 win. Senior defender Parker Dingman believes that the team has what it takes to be a top contender within the region, “I’ve seen the team make it to state in years past and I feel like this year we have a team that is capable of making it,” she said. “We want to leave a lasting impression on the program.”

After the opening win against Grady the team went on to beat Tucker, Lakeside, and Wheeler along with mercy rule wins for the Warriors against Cross Keys.

Under the helm of Coach Morisco and longtime community coach Tara Doherty, the team has strong leadership and guidance to add to the large pool of talent. Captains Ellie Hankin, Parker Dingman, and Alexis Elrod look to provide that veteran leadership that will help in making the state run a feasible possibility.  

The team finished with an overall record of 8 wins, 5 losses and 5 ties on the 2018 season, going 3 in 5 in region play. Well-developed powerhouses such as Pope, North View, and Johns Creek prove to be challenges for the squad, however these matches also give the Warrior soccer players an idea on where they need to improve and grow as a team, as well as a program. Senior Alexis Mocek-Elrod knows that the team has what it takes to perform next to teams of the highest caliber. “My first year we made it to state and competed against teams like Starrs Mill,” she said. “We do have the talent level and comradery that can get us back in that position so we can make a run for the state title.”

The team’s first region test will take place on March 1 against Alpharetta. What’s certain is that this year’s Warrior girls soccer team is looking to make a statement not only in region play, but also within the state competition. Let the word go forth: These Warriors are ready for battle.