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ELKINS -- Area high school soccer teams return to the pitch today for the start of the 2024 campaign.
The Elkins High School boys and girls are slated to host Braxton County at Tiger Stadium.
The boys take to the artificial turf at 5:30 p.m., followed by the girls at 7:30 p.m.
The Tigers lost just two seniors from last year's squad, which went 6-7-5 and lost to Herbert Hoover in penalty kicks in sectional semifinal action.
The Lady Tigers, meanwhile, also return a strong nucleus from 2023, despite losing four players to graduation.
All-state second teamers Laney Fletcher and Gracelin Corley must be replaced, but seniors Addy Cogar and Darby Bailey are back after being second-team all-state picks as well.
Elkins lost to Philip Barbour in the regional title game for the second straight season.
The Lady Tigers went 13-5-3 last year.
The Philip Barbour girls, meanwhile, open the 2024 season at 1 p.m. Saturday at home against Sissonville.
The Lady Colts have finished as Class AA-A state runner-ups the past three seasons.
Philip Barbour lost four Class AA-A first-team all-state selections to graduation, including 100-plus career-goal scorer Braylyn Sparks, twin sister Arrington Sparks, Jorjalynn Ward and Layna "Turkey" Grassi.
The PB boys open the season Sept. 3 at home against Buckhannon-Upshur, which visits Morgantown this evening at 6 p.m., followed by a girls match at 8 p.m.