Lexington soccer hopes to repeat last year

For the past few years, the Lexington girls soccer team has worked to become one of the best in West Tennessee.

Last year, the Lady Tigers started to reap those rewards with a first-ever trip to the state tournament.

With all but two players back, Lexington is hoping for a repeat trip this year.

The Lady Tigers are led by a strong group of juniors that includes Chandler Holmes, Hannah Bassham and Molly Lewis.

Lexington’s toughest competition in the South Division of District 14 A-AA has been Chester County, but that might change this year.

Chester County has a much younger group this season with five seniors now gone and Paige Pipkin, the team’s All-West Tennessee First Team member from last year, now playing volleyball.

The Lady Bobcats also lost five seniors, but they also have some key returners back like senior Danielle Forsythe and junior Gabby Forsythe in the midfield along with junior Abby Gray on defense.

The South Division has been the better side through the last three seasons, but the North Division has been improving.

The improvement starts with Trenton Peabody becoming a stronger program.

The Lady Tide lost two senior leaders, but sophomore Bryn Hensley might be the best player to come through the program so far.

Peabody will try to win the division for the second straight year, but South Side will also try to claim that top spot.

The Lady Hawks have many new players, but junior Nikindra Taylor returns as the go-to player on offense.

For the two the advance out of District 14 A-AA, two teams from District 13 A-AA will await in the region tournament. 14 A-AA has swept 13 A-AA in the past two years of region semifinals.

Dyersburg has won three straight District 13 A-AA titles, and the Lady Trojans have a good chance to repeat.

But there are two other teams in 13 A-AA that will try to claim the title for themselves.

Westview has been the runner-up all three of those years. The Lady Chargers lost six starters from last year, but they return experience in some key positions.

Chesney Ross and Abi Reese are back for their senior year to anchor the defense with Reese being in goal. Sophomores Lyndsey Killebrew and Naomi Griffin are back after strong freshmen seasons to lead the offense.

South Gibson is looking to earn its first-ever trip to the region semifinals. The Lady Hornets have a good mix of veteran players with fresh faces.

Zoe Cowden is back to lead the defense for her senior year, while junior Keylan Ridley is back after scoring 12 goals last season.

South Gibson and Westview are under new head coaches this season.

Michael Odom, 425-9754