The Bainbridge Lady Cats soccer team is gearing up for the 2017 season with high hopes riding on a highly experienced group of girls.

Last season saw the Lady Cats find their way into the playoffs, but get bounced after the first round. With that fresh on the minds of seven senior girls, the experienced team looks to expand on last season’s success.

Success in the region shouldn’t be hard to come by for the Lady Cats. They had an impressive region record of 7-3 last season, and with seven returning seniors they should be able to manage success again.

“Anytime you have experienced players it definitely garners optimism, but make no mistake this region is solid from top to bottom, with many having senior laden squads,” said Head Coach Chip Ariail. “So our challenge is ahead of us, but I like the challenge. This is the twentieth year of our girls program, and we hope to carry this season’s the torch to a successful height.”

The bulk of seniors are position in the midfield. Haley Thompson, Summer Boyd, Aida Diaz, and Elizabeth Brinson will lead this season form the midfield position. The other returning seniors are utility player Mallory West and goal keeper Tori Sprenkle.

There is a crack in the dam though, although the Lady Cats have experience, it is all on the surface. Per Coach Ariail, creating depth behind the starters is an issue that he hopes to address early in the season.

“Our strength should be for the most part our experience, with depth our early concern,” said Ariail. “Each season is different depending on several unknown factors to say with a certainty, but if we can play with urgency and unity every game, I definitely like our chances.”

The girls start their season against Doughterty at Centennial Field on Feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m.