Lady Comets soccer overcoming rough start, injuries during bounceback month
Published 12:02 am Wednesday, January 17, 2018
LAPLACE — The St. Charles Catholic Lady Comets soccer team faced a rough first half of the season, riddled with injuries and suffering from a lack of confidence.
That slump seems to have come to an end.
Over the past few weeks, the girls have found success in District play, poised for a comeback and eager to secure a spot in the playoffs.
The Lady Comets entered the week with a 5-10 record, four consecutive wins; a major improvement from the 0-8 record held at the beginning of January.
Head coach Travis Trepagnier said the rough start could be traced to a confidence issue preventing the girls from recreating last season’s 17-3-1 playoff run.
Travis Trepagnier
With seven players sidelined with injuries early in the season, it was difficult to find team chemistry, Trepagnier said. However, he’s seeing improvement on the field as the team finds its footing and bands together.
“It takes one win to start turning things around,” Trepagnier said. “We’re starting to play as a team and get our confidence back. I can confidently say they know what they’re doing now.”
With recent District wins against Riverside Academy, Academy of Our Lady and Covenant Christian, there’s hope for the Lady Comets to take the playoffs by storm.
“Playoffs is where the magic happens,” Trepagnier said.
“Last year, we kicked the door open. This year, we’re kind of sneaking around the corner.”
During practice, Trepagnier is working through group activities to keep the ball moving and improve contact.
He attributes the team’s recent wins to the work of young players who have remained consistent through the slump and are now finding a chance to shine.
Sophomore center back Colette Rainey has been a standout player this season, according to Trepagnier.
“Colette has hero moments every game,” Trepagnier said. “If someone goes up against her, you can count on her to do her job.”
Sophomore Anna Guidry and junior Destiny Romious are dependable players willing to hustle, Trepagnier said.
He also counts on sophomore Kirsten Smith, who he described as a “tenacious player” and a “firecracker” on the field.
