Coach Brian Carnes’ Grace Christian Academy Lady Cougars coed soccer team have a 2-1-1 record as they prepare for their Monday, Sept. 21, home opener against Valdosta’s Open Bible Christian School at 4:30 p.m. at Bill Reynolds Sports Park.

The Cougars opened their season with three games in the East West Challenge Tournament hosted by Calvary Christian School in Fort Walton Beach Florida. In their first game Friday, Aug. 21, the Cougars battled to a 3-3 tie with the Knights of Trinitas Christian School of Pensacola, Florida. The Cougars led 3-1 at half time but the Knights battled back with two goals to tie it up 3-3.

Striker Corban Walsingham scored all three Cougars goals against the Knights. In their second game of the tournament, the Cougars edged the East Hill Christian School Eagles of Pensacola Florida 2-1 on goals by Colin Woodrum and Branch Austinson.

The Cougars third tournament game was against their long-time rival the Saints of Central Christian School from Robertsdale, Alabama. They won the game 1-0 on a Corban Walsingham penalty kick after a Central player really made a hard tackle inside the penalty box.

“I am really proud of how our players hung in there and preserved the lead the last few minutes against the Saints,” coach Carnes said. “They threw everything they had at us and goal keeper Nate Walton made some great saves and our defenders and midfielders worked together to keep the ball out of the net. It’s been several years since we beat Central, so that one was sweet.”