The MSMS soccer teams kicked off the second semester with mixed results against Vardaman and Amory high schools as both teams faced unique challenges, including numerous girls out with illnesses. Despite this, the boys’ team is currently ranked No. 2 in the district.

The game versus Vardaman was a 2-1 victory for the boys’ team. This game was particularly close, having to go into overtime similar to the last game played against Tupelo Christian Preparatory School. “It was pretty stressful,” junior Issac Riggins said. “It did not end up coming down to PKs [penalty kicks], which was nice, but I think we played very well in that game, considering we just got back from a three-week break.” 

The second game played against Amory, the No. 1 team in the district, was a 0-4 loss for the boys; however, this game showed great growth for the team since last time, the Blue Waves lost to Amory 0-6. The game was 0-2 going into halftime.

“It was probably the best game we have played all season,” said junior Gordon Welch. “We played hard but it kind of fell apart at the end.”

With Coach Chuck Yarborough out sick and a considerable amount of players either quarantined or still not back from the break, the girls’ team was faced with challenges going into these games. Coach Armando Leyva of the boys’ team was able to fill Yarborough’s position assisted by senior Captain Destiny Van.

“It has been a challenge, but we adapted really well. We had a lot of encouragement for the games,” said Van.

“Destiny really stepped up to become our stand-in coach for this game [with Coach Armando],” added senior Vidhi Patel.

Unfortunately, both games resulted in a loss for the girls team. The game played against Vardaman had a score of 0-2 and the game played against Armory ended in a 0-7 mercy ruling. However, the game against Amory showed great improvements compared to the last game that was played against them that ended in a mercy ruling.

“Destiny did a great job changing the positions we played so that we could hold off as long as possible,” Patel said.