Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
LYNCHBURG — When the ball is at Raelynn Ruble’s feet, good things tend to happen.
CREDIT: Brock Netter/SOSA
The Mustangs’ midfield speedster consistently displayed her balanced skillset last year, tallying 14 goals and 15 assists while leading her team to a 16-5 mark.
Those numbers, alongside a stable of talent around her, helped Lynchburg-Clay reach an Elite 8 before falling to Columbus Academy by a 1-0 final. That loss is still savoring their taste buds.
We caught up with Ruble to discuss what she’s been fine-tuning, how excited she is to start the season and how her team can get back to the Elite 8 and over the hump.
Question: First things first, how stoked are you to get back on the field?
Ruble: Very excited. So hyped for the season to start.
Q: What’s the main thing you’re looking forward to this fall?
RR: Mostly just focusing on playing hard as a team, and aiming for a longer run in the state tournament.
Q: Judging by last year’s finish, your team has high goals this coming season. Can you discuss those goals and how you plan on reaching them?
RR: Last year was definitely a good run for us and we plan on doing the same thing, just better. It’s mostly getting our movement and passing down. Taking it one step at a time. Keeping our
eyes on the jobs in front of us.
Q: Individually, what part of your skillset have you worked on the most during the off-season?
RR: I’ve been working on my touches and getting into shape. That’s been the main goal in the offseason.
Q: You guys seem to know where each other is going to be without asking. What makes your team’s chemistry pump?
RR: A lot of us have been playing together since we were little, which makes things easier. And playing with fun and outgoing [teammates] makes us a better team.
Q: How far can this year’s team go and why?
RR: Our team this year has a lot of potential, and we are hyped to get the season started. We hope to be back to where we were last year.
