Breaking down Division II-A West soccer

The fall high school sports season is quickly approaching, so it is time to take a look at which teams have a chance to make a deep run in the postseason.

I will be previewing each of the girls’ soccer and volleyball districts over the next 11 days. I will begin with girls’ soccer and then move into volleyball.

Today, we look at Division II-A West soccer. Two of the three teams that reached a state tournament last year from West Tennessee are in this district – Sacred Heart and University School of Jackson.

Sacred Heart moves to Division II-A after competing in Division I last season, and Jackson Christian made just the opposite move going back to Division I.

 

Teams:

Fayette Academy

Rossville Christian

Sacred Heart

St. George’s

USJ

 

University School of Jackson

The Lady Bruins have reached the Division II-A state tournament for the past four seasons with two state titles and a runner-up finish.

Last year, USJ reached the semifinals before falling to University School of Nashville.

The Lady Bruins went 17-4 last season and lost just two seniors Anna Pearson and Rachel Butler.

Three USJ players were selected to the All-West Tennessee team last season, and all three are back this year. Junior Rachel Giampapa, 22 goals and eight assists, led the team in scoring and should be the go-to player up front.

Junior Madison Perchik, three goals and 16 assists, along with sophomore Addison Dunn, 18 goals and eight assists, should control the middle of the field.

Junior Shelby Williams will be the anchor on defense.

Sacred Heart

The Lady Knights also return most of the squad that reached the Class A-AA quarterfinals last season. Sacred Heart graduated one senior in defender Janie Bistolfi.

Two players from Sacred Heart were named to the All-West Tennessee team last season, and both are back for their senior campaigns.

Alice Nelson, 17 goals and six assists, and Amber Winkelman, 19 goals and 14 assists, are both midfielders, but also were two of the top attackers on the team.

Sophomores Emma Sopcak and Amily Whitaker started last year as freshmen, so they will have a year of experience under their belt this year.

The Lady Knights were 15-5-1 last season, but competition will take a step up this season with the Division II-A teams.

District projections:

1. USJ

2. St. George’s

3. Sacred Heart

4. Fayette Academy

5. Rossville Christian