The voice is distinctive.
Even if they have tracked back into the defensive third and are lost in a sea of bodies, Megan and Cayla Chambers can pick out a call from their sister.
Whether it”s the urgency in the cry or it”s a byproduct of years of playing with Caitlyn, Megan, a midfielder, and Cayla, a defender, perk up when they hear their sister. The voice triggers an uncanny homing device that allows them to deliver a ball that answers the yell with uncanny accuracy.
“We just know each other and how we play, and it just works on the field,” Caitlyn Chambers said.
The contributions of the Chambers sisters give the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science girls soccer team triple the trouble for opponents. The Lady Blue Wave have used the senior leadership of the Chambers sisters to earn a spot in the postseason.
MSMS will try to keep its season alive at 5 p.m. today when it plays host to Mooreville in a Class 1A-2A-3A playoff game at 5 p.m. today at the Joe Cook Soccer Complex.
Caitlyn Chambers said the sisters might be on different parts of the field and have different responsibilities, but they don”t have to say anything to each other to make a point.
It helps, though, when Caitlyn — who is the “aggressive” one of the bunch — turns up the volume.
“I think the (instinctive nature) of knowing where each other is comes from when we were little and playing the game together,” Cayla said.
The sisters, who are seniors from Hattiesburg, transferred from Forrest County Agricultural High School in Brooklyn and have balanced the rigors of MSMS” academic demands — and being away from home — with their athletic schedule.
Cayla, a former dancer, didn”t play soccer her first two years of high school but has returned to the fold to help anchor MSMS” defense.
Megan, who is known as the more “laid-back” sister, helps control the midfield, while Caitlyn uses her “go-get ”em” attitude to fuel the offense at forward. Despite a nagging knee injury, Caitlyn came on late in the second half Thursday and scored the goal that gave MSMS a 1-0 victory against Winona that secured today”s home playoff game.
MSMS coach Dr. Bill Odom said the sisters play with the same focus they show in the classroom.
“Caitlyn just kind of takes charge of the three,” Odom said. “Cayla is real quiet, but she is a real effective leader. Cayla has her own way, and, somehow, Megan is somewhere in the middle.”
Odom said the strong relationship the sisters share has rubbed off on the rest of the team. With only juniors and seniors at the school, chemistry is crucial with an ever-changing roster. He said the Chambers are quick to try to push each other, which encourages their teammates to do the same.
The other MSMS players might not have the same tone in their voices, but everyone has developed the ability to interpret Caitlyn”s calls.
“(She says it with the meaning) ”You need to get over here now and do what you need to be doing,” ” Cayla said.
The Chambers praised the work of Odom for motivating the team to reach its potential. They hope today”s match is only the step in their playoff march.
“I am excited this year,” Cayla said. “I think we have done really good this year. We have gotten to know everyone and have helped put the team together.”
Said Caitlyn, “We play as a team. We just have this bond that I don”t think other soccer teams have.”
n In other playoff action, Newton County defeated Caledonia 2-0 in a Class 4A game Monday. The loss ended the season for the Lady Confederates (8-9-2), the runners-up in Region 3.
Caledonia fell behind in the 18th minute and then pushed forward in an attempt to score the equalizer. But Newton County put the game away with a goal in the 75th minute.
“The girls played great,” Caledonia coach Jason Forrester said. “They did wonderful for a rebuilding year. I have no seniors, so that should make for a great year next year with everyone coming back.”
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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