SPRINGFIELD, Ga. – Four years ago, Cora McCaffrey coached girls soccer at South Effingham Middle School. The players on her first middle school team are now seniors on her first team as coach of the South Effingham High School varsity squad.

“They think it’s nostalgic,” McCaffrey said.

A debut to remember

Wednesday, senior goalkeeper Taylor Baier recorded a shutout and freshman Cydnee Webb tapped in the game’s lone goal as the Mustangs defeated Effingham County 1-0, giving McCaffrey a win in her debut in the cross-county rivalry.

The evenly matched series — 10-10-2 entering the match since 2013 — produced another tight contest, with both teams battling in the midfield.

The Rebels held a 5-4 advantage in shots. Both teams had two saves. Effingham County used two goalkeepers, Mady Reagan and Kaina Zegin, with Riley Bracken out after receiving a red card in her previous match. Both teams had three corner kicks.

Webb made the most of limited opportunities, finishing during a scramble in front of the net with 29:07 remaining in the first half.

Missed chances and momentum

Effingham County’s best opportunity came off a corner kick with about 18 minutes left. A point-blank shot inside the box sailed over the crossbar.

“This game was a big one for both sides, and I was glad we could pull it out,” McCaffrey said.

A year ago, South edged Effingham County in a shootout during the regular season, but the Rebels won the rematch, defeating the Mustangs in the region tournament to earn a spot in the state tournament. McCaffrey said she heard about that reversal of fate throughout the week.

A new era

But this is a new group with a new coach — even if there is a bit of nostalgia in the air.

South (3-4) has won three of its last four matches.

“There’s a lot of newness going on — learning the team, learning my role — but I think the girls are having a good time,” McCaffrey said.