The Lakeland High School girls’ soccer team plans to attack the first half of its season.

Last season, the Lady Cavs advanced to the Conference 27 semifinals before their season ended. This season, Lakeland plans to come back stronger and has plans to get off to a faster start this season.

“I am excited about this team,” Coach Adam Smith said. “Our goal is to go out and try to earn a No. 1 seed for the regional tournament, so the start of the season will be crucial.”

Smith likes that the new format allows Lakeland to have a bit of flexibility. Smith describes Lakeland as a small fish swimming in a big pond when it comes to playing in the Southeastern District. It is a challenge for Lakeland to go out and play the higher classifications every game.

There were stretches in their schedule last season where they were playing three games in a week against the top three teams in the district. This season, Lakeland will play their non-district schedule for the first half of the season. They will get a chance to build some confidence and possibly start putting themselves in position for the postseason before starting the district part of their schedule.

“We want to get better every week,” Smith said. “We want to get better in our out-of-district games. We have three games next week, and we are expecting and are hoping to be 3-0 by the end of the week. Last year, that wasn’t in the cards for us, as we were opening up against the SED’s best. This year, we won’t be on our heels as much, and we have the chance to have a faster start.”

Lakeland has goals to host region games this season. They know they aren’t the most skilled team but will do their best to outwork their opponents. Smith wants his team to play more possession this season.

Darcy Kilgore, a two-time all-conference selection, will return as the center-mid for Lakeland. Callie White and Mackenzie Johnson will also return to the Lady Cavs to form a young but experienced core. Kilgore is a junior, while Johnson and White are both sophomores.

Lakeland kicks off its season against Hampton High School at home at 5 p.m. Tuesday. They then will go on the road Thursday to play I.C. Norcom High School before heading on the road to play Bethel High School Friday.

“It will be really good for us to get these wins and secure these points,” Smith said. “If we can come out of this week with three wins, we are well on our way to our goals. Beating higher classified teams is key.”