Jeff Moeller, correspondent

Senior defender Satori Bell and fellow defender sophomore Brooke Morgan are both assured that their team can bring home another region title and take a deeper step into the state playoffs. 

Entering this season as a four-time defending regional champion, Richmond Hill’s girls’ soccer program is making its case as they began play this week with an unblemished 9-0 record and a 4-0 slate in region play. 

They have outscored their opponents, 45-6, in the process. Senior Ella Peterson leads the team in scoring with 15 points, and sophomore Aubrey Fanning has eight. The Wildcats have had a steady stream of contributors from underclassmen to upperclassmen. 

Bell sees a tight bond among her teammates, and she believes her team is on the right track. 

“I definitely feel as if our team is moving towards the peak of our season,” said Bell. “Keeping each other accountable at every practice and game is our biggest priority.

“I believe we have a seasoned team this year. We have strong returning players who understand the expectations and culture of the program, along with teammates who are ready to step up and contribute. That combination gives us both experience and energy.”

Bell knows her team developed further after last season. The Wildcats’ season ended in the second round of the state playoffs last year with a 2-0 loss to Mill Creek. 

“After last season, I see this year as a big opportunity for growth,’ said Bell. “We learned a lot from the challenges we faced, and I think those experiences have made us more focused and motivated. Our goal is to build on what we did well and improve in the areas where we fell short.”

For Bell, soccer has been a family affair.

“I started playing soccer when I was two years old and the reason is because my mom used to play when she was younger,” recalled Bell. “My parents both played soccer for a long time, which inspired me to start at such a young age. Their experience and support have had a big impact on my development and love for the game.

“The game was always a part of our family. Being around it from such a young age helped me develop a real love for the sport, and I’ve been so passionate about it ever since.” 

Head coach Shawn Allen has watched Bell battle through some early stumbling blocks, but he appreciates her sticktoitiveness  along her way. 

“Satori is an experienced senior leader defender on our team that has started off the year with an early ankle injury that has had to work her way back into health and regain her fitness,” said Allen. “She has had a positive attitude, supported coaches and players during her injury time, and contributed to the positive culture we are trying to build on the team.  She has been an excellent example of what to do for our younger players as they go through injuries.”

Like Bell, Morgan has grown up with the game. 

“Soccer is a big part of my life and my family are my biggest fans,” said Morgan. “I started playing soccer when I was three and it’s just been a thing that runs in my family so that’s why I started.”

Morgan likes the makeup and chemistry of her club, 

“This season has been much better. We have some really strong players and everyone has really good chemistry with each other. I play for Tormenta outside of high school and it has really helped me sharpen up my skills.

Allen has seen Morgan develop into a sturdy presence in the backfield.

“Brooke is a steady calming force on our defensive line,” said Allen.  “She is a quiet leader that does her talking on the field.  She has a positive attitude and is willing to play multiple positions.  She keeps her head down, works hard on and off the field.   

“She is an excellent example to our younger quieter girls that like to do their talking on the field.  I can always depend on her to put tremendous effort on the field and in the classroom.”

Allen isn’t allowing his club to lose and focus along the way. He believes his team can follow the recipe from some of the state’s powerhouse programs.

“We are always trying to earn respect from the teams in the Atlanta area,” said Allen, who is in his second season at the helm. “ They play tough schedules and have been tested multiple times before playoff time. 

“That is one of our challenges as a program is to challenge our players with a stronger schedule.  We have challenged our players with a tougher schedule this year and so far the girls have responded.”

The Wildcats already have easily disposed of two-time defending champion River Ride as well as perennial powers Allatoona and Greater Atlanta Christian. They will face Charleston’s Wando High School in a key matchup March 16. 

“We have more tough games ahead with Wando High School and some local schools at the end of the season,” said Allen. “We must play with a chip on our shoulder and go out and earn respect from the top teams in the state.”