No. 17 Bulldogs bring back experience, scoring punch
PERKINSTON — The Mississippi Gulf Coast women's soccer team won its most games since 2016 in the spring, and the Bulldogs bring back a ton of experience from that squad for a quick-turnaround fall season.
"We're very sophomore-heavy this year, so we have a lot of leadership we didn't have last year," Gulf Coast coach Jackie Rhodes said. "We had a good year last year, so we're looking to build off that to make a run at the state championship game."
The fall 2021 season starts Friday with a trip to LSU Eunice. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. in Louisiana. The first home game will be Aug. 27 when Motlow State visits from Tennessee. Season passes are on sale at http://mgcccbulldogs.com/tickets.
The Bulldogs are ranked 17th in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll. They are one of four MACCC teams in the Top 20. Holmes is second, followed by Jones with East Central 12th.
COVID forced the soccer schedule into the spring in 2020-21, which means a relatively quick turnaround. Rhodes said they haven't had to do as much re-teaching this year, and the team has been able to pick up where it left off. Practice runs smoother, and there's less downtime.
"We've implemented some new things, but because we just finished, they've picked it up a lot faster," she said. "For us, overall, it's leadership. We're trying to bring some joy back. Last year was a hard year. There was a lot of adversity. This year, it's a fun group and they'll be fun to watch."
Rhodes has been in charge at Perk since 2015, and last year's squad was her fourth to reach at least the conference semifinals. The 2018 team made it to the finals, and the Bulldogs are hoping to make it back.
The experience radiates from the keeper outward, with Skyler Steede (So., Lucedale/George County) playing her third collegiate season because of extra COVID eligibility. She started 13 games last year, posting a 7-4-2 record with 4 shutouts and a 1.00 goals-against average.
"She was unexpectedly good last year, and she's only getting better," Rhodes said. "She's got more confidence this year and is one of the oldest players on our team. She battling some injuries right now, but I expect her to be better than last year."
The Bulldogs expect to start four sophomore defenders in front of her. Journee Wilson (So., Jackson/Murrah) was a stalwart back there in the spring, and she's joined by Brianna Lee (So., Perkinston/Stone). And Hannah Salter (So., Olive Branch/Lewisburg).
Salter is sliding to the backline from forward/midfield, and Molly Etchells (So., Manchester, England/Longdendale) will be moving back from midfield, too.
"She's the voice of our entire team, and especially the defense," Rhodes said. "I expect us to be very organized back there."
Freshman Bayleigh Jones (Fr., Hurley/East Central) has picked things up very quickly and will provide immediate depth along the backline.
Olivia Palisi (So., Diamondhead/Hancock) moves from defender to midfield, and she's joined by two newcomers. Kate Bertolino (Fr., Ocean Springs/Vancleave) arrives from high school, while Katherine Dubon (So., Richmond Va./Manchester) has transferred from Harcum College.
"She's going to surprise some people," Rhodes said. "She's technical. She has a great shot and can shoot from distance. We're excited about her."
The Bulldogs averaged 2.86 goals per game, the most since the 2016 team averaged 3.31. All but three of those 37 goals were scored by players returning this year, including 24 by the strike force expected at the top of the formation.
Alyssa Palisi (So., Diamondhead/Hancock) led the team with 11 goals in 14 games and earned All-NJCAA Region 23 honors. Katie Brown (So., Picayune/Home School) also earned All-Region after leading the team with nine assists, good for ninth in the NJCAA and second in the MACCC. Leah Bennett (So., Cape Town South Africa/Mondeor) added five goals.
"Three of our top goal-scorers from last year are playing together up top. We're really looking forward to that," Rhodes said. "We're expecting to score some goals this year like we did last year, and maybe even more."
The opponents on the way to the state championship game will be usual suspects Holmes and Jones. Gulf Coast lost to Holmes, which went on to play in the national championship game, in the MACCC semifinals last year. Jones made it to the national semis.
"Each year, the league gets better and better, and it's harder and harder to get to the final," Rhodes said. "This year is no different. This year, if we can score goals that will give us a chance."
For more information on MGCCC's 10 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCBulldogs on Twitter and MGCCCBulldogs on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.
