Holmes to face Jones in MACJC semifinals
The Holmes Community College Lady Bulldogs continue their quest for their first MACJC State Championship in women's soccer Monday at Hinds Community College in Raymond as they take on Jones College at 1 p.m.
The Lady Bulldogs finished the regular season with a 15-2 overall record and a 7-1 record in the North Division capturing their fourth straight North Division title. The match was previously scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. but was moved to Monday due to possible rain.
"It is a great accomplishment for all four of the teams that have come through and been able to have that success." Holmes Associate Head Coach Wesley Noble said. "Winning a North Division title is never easy, but this year in particular the quality of teams is very high.
"I believe it is a testament to our players and the work ethic that they put forth on a daily basis," he said. "They hold each other to a standard, and I think that is the main reason we have been able to accomplish four in a row."
Noble said team chemistry is the strength of the team. "We are fit, athletic, and the girls are really playing well with one another and understanding the game at a much higher rate than the first half of the season."
According to Noble, some matches were added that would help the Lady Bulldogs in the long run as they prepare for a postseason run.
"To go through the 17 games and only lose twice is not an easy task, but I think if you asked our players they wouldn't be satisfied with it," he said. "Being the only team from Mississippi who is nationally ranked is a good reward for our players. This is the first year we have been ranked for the entirety of the season."
Three Lady Bulldogs are ranked high in NJCAA statistical categories. Sophomore Zoe Ellis of Brandon and freshmen Cariel Ellis of Madison and Mackenzie Thompson of Pelahatchie have made their marks this season in the state and nation.
Cariel is tied for the lead in goals in the country with 43. She is tied for 14th in assists (14) and second in points (100). Zoe is tied for 13th in goals (20) and tied for 15th in points (50). Thompson is fourth in assists (22) in the country.
"All three are first class people as well as players," Noble said. "Zoe has been fantastic for us for two years. She has become a complete player this year rather than just a goal scorer, which is what we, as a staff, asked of her. We knew Mackenzie and Cariel were special before they got here. Both of them have really accepted the instruction and constantly are wanting to improve. I think all three are playing their best soccer currently which is what we want this time of the year. It is awesome to see them so high in their respective categories, it is well deserved."
Holmes defeated Jones in the only match with the Lady Bobcats this season, 6-1, at Freedom Ridge in Ridgeland.
"It's going to be a battle, and anyone who is left as one of the last four teams has the potential to win it," Noble said. "We try not to worry about other teams and solely focus on us.
"We have to be at the top of our game to have a chance of advancing on Saturday and competing on Sunday," he said. "We had one significant injury a few weeks back that forced us to change the way we did some things. We were a little shaky for a game or two after that but the girls have figured it out. Everyone else is healthy, fresh and ready to go."
"Winning four North Division Championships is definitely something to be proud of," Holmes Head Coach Matt Convertino said. "It is truly a sign that there are special things going on here with the Holmes soccer program.
"Wesley, as well as the rest of the coaching staff, have done a fantastic job preparing the players and motivating them to compete on a daily basis," he said.