South Lenoir soccer is in great position at midway point

The South Lenoir Lady Blue Devils soccer team is off to a winning start. The team is under first-year head coach Tayler Floyd. Coach Floyd was an assistant to last year's team.

So far, the team record is 5-3-1, outperforming the previous year's 4-10-3. In addition, the Lady Blue Devils are 2-0 in conference play, compared to a 1-8-1 record in the East Central Conference last season. 

"They are doing amazing things," South Lenoirs first year head coach Tayler Floyd said. "I am very proud of them." 

Even though this is Floyd's first year coaching, it hasn't shown. The Blue Devils are gelling, and it shows on the field.

"We have girls with different skill levels but they work together perfectly," Floyd said.

The Lady Blue Devils started the season with a tough 7-0 loss to Southern Wayne but have since scored in every game and put together a stretch of five wins in the past eight games.

What makes this team special?  We specifically asked Coach Floyd that question.

"It's really the chemistry of the team itself that creates their success," she said. "We're just here to guide them in the right direction."

Junior Emily Gonzalez leads the team in scoring and assists with nine goals, four assists in nine games.  Senoir Laura Yanez has assisted on four goals in just two games. Freshman Emily Jones has made a huge impact, scoring five goals in six games, including a hat trick in the 7-0 victory over West Craven.

The team is receiving plenty of production from underclassmen, but there is no doubt the senior leadership is present.

"We have four amazing senoirs who really help drive our team," Floyd said. "The four senoirs consist of Sydney Dawson,  Laura Yanez, Penelope Rouse, and Paige Lancaster."

With 11 games left on the schedule and a great start to conference play, the Lady Devils are looking strong!