Lady Tigers crowned State Champions

The only way a team can have the ultimate success in a sport is when they win that final game. The Lady Tigers soccer team did just that as they held onto their #1 ranking by defeating the #2 team in the state, Frisco Wakeland, 2-1. It showed the state rankings did have some merit. With the win, the Lady Tigers filled in another box on the DS sports bucket list. They are the 5A State Champions after falling in the semis in their previous two state appearances. They joined the girls basketball, volleyball and swimming teams as state champions from Dripping Springs.

“This is a once in a lifetime experience, and I am very lucky I get to experience it with this group of girls,” Coach Bailee Perrine said. “They work hard and believe in each other. Every single one of them go the extra mile each and every day for their teammates.”

Wakeland came out strong and dominated the play of the first half but as soccer goes it did not mean scoring. It would culminate in a goal with about 18 minutes left in the half. Riley Sisson would ruin that momentum with 1.05 left in the half with a goal that barely got into the corner of the net. That would send the Lady Tigers into the second half with renewed resolve that they could do this. In the second half at the 33 minute mark with what looked like an impossible angle, Taylor Hodsden found herself in front of the goal and was able to get a kick through that went between the goalkeepers legs for what became the winning goal. Caroline Dill, the sophomore goalkeeper turned away all scoring attempts but one and was named MVP of the game for the effort.

Getting to that final game was not easy either. At the regional semifinal game with Gregory-Portland, Hannah Gamez and Sofia Picucci would garner goals for the 2-0 win. This put the Lady Tigers opposite of Cedar Park for the chance to make it to state. This they did with another 2-0 verdict. Twice before they had attained this opportunity and were turned back in the semifinal contest. This time would be no easier as they matched up with a formidable opponent, Friendswood. They went at it tooth and nail for the entire contest. For the longest it looked that it might go into overtime and beyond. However, late in the match, Picucci was able to get a long pass to Taliyah Copeland who, in turn, would turn it into the lone goal of the game and break the jinx.

There is great optimism the nucleus of this 26-1-1 team will return for an encore next year.