MAUDLIN, S.C. (WSPA) – This week's High Stand features a nationally ranked team looking to leave its mark heading into the postseason with an undefeated record.
Mauldin's girls soccer team just finished the regular season with a perfect 17-0 record as they seek the program's first state title since the 2008-09 season.
In addition to being the top-ranked team in the state, they finished fifth in the country after climbing as high as second all season, according to MaxPreps.
“It’s obviously really great that we ranked this high, but it’s because of our teamwork and how competitive we are,” senior Sami Ruby said. “We love playing this sport and we love doing it together.”
For the team's eight seniors, it's a chance to make their mark before moving on to the next level.
“This team is very close. A lot of us have been playing together for the last few years, but we have a lot of seniors this year, and with the eight who are leaving next year, it's very important that we all stick together.” I know it is,” Ruby said. “If we want to win state, we know this is our year.”
“No matter what role you play on the team, everyone plays a role. Everyone contributes to every win and every loss, and we're all a team,” said the senior. said Eva Pennington.
Just because the Mavericks haven't recorded a loss doesn't mean they haven't been battle tested. They overcame two penalty shootouts against several top area teams and rallied late in overtime, but conceded only one goal all season.
“When we went to the TL Hanna game and we scored, we breathed a little bit of a sigh of relief,” second-year head coach Allison Stelling said. “The pressure of not scoring, that goal went wide, but we still did a lot of great things. We need to aim for bigger and better things to keep the clean sheet. is.”
The Mavs continue their quest for a state championship when they host Spring Valley in the first round of the playoffs Tuesday at 7 p.m.
“They have the ability. The technique, the skill, everything, but it's about who shows up and plays their best game and really heart and I think that's what they have,” Coach Stelling said. said. “They want this more than anything in the world. I can't do that part for them. It has to come from inside of them. But they're ready. I think it is done.”