Original Article on Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel Website  (Lady Pirates Friday Oponent)

Lady Dragons in line for playoffs

Young soccer team manages more ups than downs in rebuilding year

Friday, March 11, 2005

By BRIAN ROSS, Sentinel Staff

Nacogdoches Lady Dragon soccer head coach Gari Dial knew before the season started that she would have to adjust her expectations.

A year removed from the best season in program history, Dial and the Lady Dragons started the 2005 campaign with 10 first-time varsity players.

So, instead of aiming for a second consecutive record-breaking year, Dial set the bar a little lower – she simply wanted her young team to reach the playoffs.

With three games to go, the Lady Dragons are in position to do just that, despite a season that has had its share of ups and downs.

"We're still a work in progress," Dial said. "We have had some very strong games, where the team has looked very together. And, in between those games, we have had some games where we're not connecting as well.

"Overall, we're doing well. The goal is still to make the playoffs, then hopefully make a good run."

Nacogdoches is 8-7-3 overall and 4-3 in District 16-4A action, currently good enough for third place in the league.

Nacogdoches can help ensure itself of a postseason berth, and maybe even improve its District 16-4A standing, in the next couple of games. Tonight, the Lady Dragons will square off with Pine Tree at Dragon Stadium.

Tuesday, Nacogdoches will head to Kilgore for the last road game of the regular season.

Pine Tree is just ahead of the Lady Dragons in the district standings. The two teams tied in their first meeting, with the Lady Pirates defeating Nacogdoches in a shoot-out.

Kilgore is in fourth place and nipping at the Lady Dragons' heels. Nacogdoches defeated Kilgore, 2-1, the first time the teams met this season.

Tonight's game is set for a 7 p.m. start. The junior varsity game will begin at 5:30.

* Other NHS sporting events scheduled for tonight include: The boys soccer team will travel to Pine Tree for a 7 p.m. contest. The junior varsity is set to start at 5:30. The Lady Dragon softball team will play at Pine Tree in a 6 p.m. game. The junior varsity squad will start at 4:30.

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