Union County's varsity girls' soccer team is used to having winning seasons and going to the playoffs. They're looking to go to the playoffs for the eighth straight year.

Only four starters return - Rebecca Drum (junior, forward), Katie Hammett (senior, midfield), Danielle Harris (junior, forward) and Whitney Sizemore (junior, fullback). Hammett has six career goals, Drum five and Harris three.

Emmanuel Massey (junior, fullback) was slated to be a starter until an injury. Lindsay Manness (sophomore, midfielder) will be a key sub. Meredith Walker (sophomore, goalkeeper) has some game experience.

Top newcomers are Clair Dobson (freshman, midfield-forward) and Kirstin Sanders (freshman, midfielder). Dobson brings experience and Sanders hustle.

Terry Drum returns as coach. He's coached the team six years and has a 67-35-2 record. Laura O'Shields will assist.

Last year's team finished 13-10 overall, 3-8 and fifth place in Region II-3A. The region again is tough, with Greenville teams having the advantage of year-long soccer programs.

Drum said field positioning and passing angles are key for his squad. He said Drum, Harris, Hammett and Dobson will be key to the Jackets' success.

Something the team will have to overcome is injuries. Drum has four players that have or will have ACL surgeries.

“We're young and inexperienced, but dedicated to our program and each other,” said Drum. “We have hopes of a winning season and a trip to the playoffs for the eighth straight year.”

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Schedule: March 17 Blue Ridge, 5:30; March 18 at JL Mann, 5:30; March 20: Eastside, 7; March 24: at Riverside, 7; March 31: Greer, 5:30; April 4: at Lewisville, 5:30; April 7: Wade Hampton, 5:30; April 9: York, 5:30; April 10: at Blue Ridge, 5:30; April 14: at Eastside, 7; April 17: Riverside, 7; April 18: at York, 5:30; April 21: JL Mann, 5:30; April 24: at Greer, 5:30; April 25: Newberry, 5:30