Just two games into the 2012 season the defense of the Alcovy girls soccer team has performed beyond their years. The Lady Tigers held Shiloh scoreless in their 1-0 season-opening win, and then fell to Locust Grove 0-1 on Thursday night. The one goal against has come vs. a defense featuring two sophomores, with a goalkeeper who has only been in net for one full season. Junior Marie Peck, came to the Alcovy soccer tryouts last year after playing for the Lady Tigers softball team as a catcher. She had never played goalkeeper before but thought her stopping skills from behind the plate would translate to the pitch. I didnt know she was coming out last year, but Im glad she did, Alcovy coach Phillip Davidson said. In front over Peck is a 4-4-2 formation, starting with four defenders, including sweeper Taylor Cruz. The sophomore played varsity last year, bringing experience to the back line. Taylor Cruz Is a very, very good sweeper, Davidson said. Were kind of young this year but shes very good back there. Shes calm and shes fast. She did a great job last year. On both sides of Cruz are junior Jennifer Overstreet and sophomore Morgan Bradford, and Kim Lee roams the middle as the Lady Tigers stopper. Alcovys most experienced unit is in the midfield, where the Lady Tigers went from five mids last year to four this season. I think were going to get by with four this year, Davidson said. Juniors Morgan Edleman, an Alcovy captain, and Kimberly Bennett control the middle, while senior Mary Ruth Davis and sophomore Alex Jordan are on the outside. I think were going to control the ball well, Davidson said. We havent so far this season but I think were going to once they get to where theyre playing together were going to control the middle well. The Lady Tigers other captain, Samantha Areita teams up with Sage Fuller at the forward positions. I think theyre going to do well, Davidson said. Sage is very fast, and Arieta has got good ball skills, so they can score some goals. Alcovy last reached the playoffs in 2009-10, and in Davidsons fifth year, are hoping to find their way back. Were in a tough region but I expect us to be competitive, Davidson said. I think we have some girls who know the game and once they get to where theyre playing together theyre going to do well.