The season came to an end for the Middle School Saints boys soccer and the Lady Saints girls softball squads, both having successful seasons and bright futures given the players who will be returning next year.
“The eighth graders will be truly missed and they will leave big cleats to fill but we will be retuning all but four players next year,” said Saints Soccer Coach Justin Nokes whose team went 5-4 in conference and knocked off undefeated Upperman 1-0 last week before losing to them in the first round of the single elimination tournament, 3-1.
The goal in tournament was by David Suastegui with an assist by Jonathan Hernandez. “I’m excited what the future holds for DMS soccer as this very young team gained experience this season that they will take into next as we should be competing for the championship crown again.”
Nokes added that making the tournament was their goal at the beginning of the season. The squad has never missed the conference tournament in its five years in existence. The top six teams in conference make the tournament.
“With a team of only four, eighth graders, making the tournament was our goal,” Nokes said. “The season ended earlier than we wanted but our goal was accomplished.”
Meanwhile the girls softball team vastly improved on last year’s two-win season, going 9-3 for the season, ending with wins over Overton County, 6-4, and Tucker’s Crossroads, 9-1.
“It was a major improvement from the two wins last season,” said Coach Sarah Jacobs, noting her team was young this campaign. “This season laid the foundation for next year. “I’ve got high expectations for next season. We’ve got a lot of starters returning.”