Lady Blues make historic playoff run

For the first time in program history, the Lady Blues have advanced to the regional semifinals round of playoffs following their 1-0 win over the Lubbock-Cooper Liberty Lady Patriots.

Following their bi-district win over the defending state champion Canyon Randall Lady Raiders, the Lady Blues met the Lady Patriots in the area competition Tuesday, March 24 at Sandifer Stadium in Abilene.

It was a defensive showcase from players on both sides that kept the scoreboard at zero for the entirety of the first half. 

A well-placed corner kick and assists from Adi Pinkston, Ava Street and Marisa Bueno helped Calen Dawson to score the game-determining goal in the first five minutes of the second half.

The team worked the over 36 minutes that remained in the half to keep their lead and punch their ticket not only to the next round but to a new record for the soccer program. 

As the clock continued to tick down, the tension was in the air but the defense and offense continued their front and worked to keep the ball away from goalie Taylor Lauster. 

Lauster was another key component of the game, blocking multiple shot attempts and jumping to take possession of the ball and out of the Lady Patriots' control. 

Head coach Casey Weil said that the program looks to push the team to improve each year and this year the team has set its sights on what it wants.

“I truly believe that these girls have a goal, have a vision, have somewhere where they want to go,” Weil said. “...We've got to build each year. We've got to set that goal a little higher, because if you always have the same goal and you always go into it with the same effort and the same everything, you're never going to reach that goal.”

Weil said the team has overcome the doubters saying they would not be able to make it this far into the playoffs.

"These girls... just stay so true to what we do and what they've been taught and just (play) all out (with their) heart,” he said. “If they don't score, the chances of them winning are very low. I would rather not give up any goals rather than score six. I take great pride in our defense and keeping people out of the goal, because you always give yourself a great chance to win.”

With the community behind them, the Lady Blues will head to the regional semifinal matchup Friday, March 26 with the Godley Ladycats at Kangaroo Stadium in Weatherford. 

“We've had leaders come up and be leaders. We've had freshmen step up. ...Looking at them, I get emotional talking about it (but) everybody has a role. Everybody has to step up. Everybody has to do their job. If we do that, and a team comes out and is successful against us, I'm okay with that. …I'm extremely proud of the girls,” Weil said.