by Matt Wright
Lakeland Prep can hang its first banner in school history. The Lady Lions soccer team had a dominant performance today against Munford in the West Tennessee Athletic Conference finals, beating the Cougars 4-1.
Lakeland Prep’s experienced team produced its best soccer season in its young history, sporting an 11-0 conference record going into the year-end tournament. Munford also brought a strong record and a good team with them to the Lakeland Prep Athletic Annex this afternoon, but the Lions were simply too strong on both sides of the ball for Munford to get anything going. After an early tie at 1-1, the Lion’s defense stepped up their intensity while Baylor Roman stopped any remaining shots on goal. But the pressure from the Lion’s offense was the story of this championship game. The Lady Lions controlled the ball the majority of the game with Lakeland’s 4 goals coming from Stormi Boles, Kylie Davis, Presley LaRusso, and Jenna Cowell.
Coaches Megan Criner and Rick Stearnes were pleased with their team’s performance today, but stressed they’ve played hard all season, not just today. Coach Criner told Lakeland Currents it’s been a special season, one she will always remember. “I am so proud of how these girls have come together and played as a team. They have truly been a joy coach this year!” Coach Criner said.
After the game, All-Tournament sections were announced as well as All-Conference players. Lakeland Prep players Kylie Davis, Aubrey Bourland, Presley Larusso, and Baylor Roman were named to the All-Tournament team. Lions 8th grader Grayson Currie was named the Tournament MVP.
Prep also had a number of players named to the All-Conference team including Stormi Boles, Ella Reynolds, and Kassidy Kerchoff.
Lakeland Prep now advances to the West Tennessee Sectional Tournament where they will play a team from Memphis on Thursday, September 30 at West Collierville Middle School.
