The Nansemond River High School girls’ soccer team is poised to be a strong team this season.

Coach Jonathan Baca returns at the helm for a Lady Warriors team that advanced to the 5A region semifinals last season. Last year, they collectively won the most games in school history for a season while also becoming Conference 10 champions. This season, there will be no conferences, as every Suffolk school will return to district play and then regional play.

The Lady Warriors know the core they have returning and have their eyes set on making a run to the state tournament.

“We feel we can go farther than we did last year,” Baca said. “We have a talented team and everyone has gotten better.”

Nansemond River will be without Daijah Norris but will return Indiah Hunter, Kayleigh McQueen, Sarah Rhiel and Saleena Lynch. The Lady Warriors will continue to play the way they have last season, which is strong and fast. They have continued to build their chemistry with their coach, with six players playing club soccer with Baca as well.

“Some of these players have played with me on club teams,” Baca said. “Others have been pretty good on their own club teams. We are just looking forward to a good season and a productive season.”

The season will start Tuesday for the Lady Warriors as they take on Smithfield High School. As with all first games, there will maybe be a lot of nerves involved, but Baca feels Smithfield will be a good challenge for the team. This time of the year is always exciting for Baca and motivates him to get better at his job of making his players better on the field and off the field.

“They are very excited to play and get to the first game,” Baca said. “We want to pick up where we left off last year, and Smithfield will be a good first test for us.”