When Parrott Academy’s girls soccer team set out on its 2013 mission it had four goals — reach double digits in wins, beat powerhouse Raleigh St. David’s School, win a conference championship and make the state playoffs.
Two down, and two more are still well within reach.
The Patriots (11-4-2, 10-2-1 Eastern Plains Independent Conference) are having one of the best seasons in the sport in their history. They’ve already reached the 10-win mark and have knocked off nemesis St. David’s on its own field.
Parrott is hoping for a little help from the soccer gods to achieve its first conference championship in school history. The Patriots host Rocky Mount Faith Christian today, and a win coupled with a loss or tie by Cary Christian will help make that happen.
“It has been the perfect senior year,” said 2012 NCISAA All-State selection Jana Warren. “It is something we have talked about since the eighth grade and now we are neck-and-neck with the best teams in the conference.”
Parrott’s dream season didn’t begin the way it would have hoped. The Patriots began with two losses and a draw in their first six matches, but have won eight of 11 since and remained near the top of the league standings all season.
Parrott, currently in second behind Cary Christian, beat the Knights 2-1 Tuesday for the first time on their home field — it was also Cary Christian’s first league loss at home in its history, coach Shivar Person said.
This year’s team has been led by seniors Langley Mills, Holden Arthur, Melissa Rudolph and Warren, who have all been a part of Parrott soccer since they were seventh graders.
Defense has been a mainstay at Parrott — it leads the league in fewest goals allowed, Person said — but this year its offense has come around, thanks to its seniors.
“The difference between this team and in years past has centered around strong leadership from the senior captains and the fact that each member of the team knows their role and works well with each other,” Person said.
A win today will double its win total from the previous two seasons. The Patriots are also looking for a berth in the state playoffs for the third consecutive year after missing out the previous three.
Parrott’s ticket to the playoffs this season is different than in the past. Since the school is in the 3A classification this school year, its berth into the state playoffs comes from an at-large bid. To get that bid, it needs a good showing against 3A schools.
Person is hoping his team’s body of work speaks for itself.
“Hopefully, the strong end to the season will show the NCISAA state seeding committee how talented this team truly is,” he said. “Having to play 3A sports this year has been a challenge, but the Patriots have put themselves in the conversation and could steal an at-large bid.”
Regardless of what happens in regards to playoffs and winning a conference title, it’s still been a special season for Parrott’s girls soccer team.
“As for a way to define this team, it’s easy,” Person said. “They are determined, skilled, and fun to coach. Hopefully, the season will end with a conference title and a state playoff berth.”
Ryan Herman can be reached at 252-559-1073 or Ryan.Herman@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter: @KFPSports.