Lakeland High School field hockey team is four games in the season and is currently 3-1.

Last year, the team had the same record at this point of its season, but the Lady Cavs lost seven games on the year. Coach Cortney Parker thinks this year will be different due to the team’s improved coachability so far this season.

“If there’s something we need to change in the middle of the game, they make the adjustment right away,” Parker said.

The Lady Cavs know it is important to get off to a good start at the beginning of the season. They do not want to start off in a hole, because by the time they gain their momentum it will be too late.

A lot of the games the Lady Cavs lost last year were one-goal games. Parker wants her team to start finishing more in the circle when scoring.

“We have to stay in there and continue to compete hard,” Parker said. “Our biggest thing is we want to finish our goals in the circle.”

This year, Parker wanted to move senior Allison Thompson to a new offensive position, and so far it has paid off. Last game against Deep Creek High School, Thompson scored a goal and assisted on two more. LHS won 6-0 and had goals scored by six different players.

“She is really making things happen as far as getting the ball down the field,” Parker said. “She does a good job of getting the ball to people in the circle so that they can get shots off.”

Defensively, Parker likes what she has been getting from Haley Beale and Kaylene Thomas, who are the two anchors. Kaleigh Bell has also been a bright spot for the team at goalie, as she is stepping in for an injured senior.

“I am really impressed with what Kaleigh has done,” Parker said. “She had to fill in for us due to injury, and she has been doing a great job.”

The Lady Cavs will need their defense to step up even more as they play Great Bridge High School, which is a strong team offensively. Lakeland wants to control the pace and, when they have chances in their circle, they want to take advantage of them.

Field hockey normally plays two games a week but, due to the holiday, the Lady Cavs haven’t played since last Wednesday. Parker doesn’t think the time off will affect how her team plays. Before the season started, Parker wanted the Lady Cavs to be competing with the best. Great Bridge will be a good test for her team to take advantage of.

Lakeland High School will be at home against Great Bridge High School at 5:15 p.m. Sept. 7.