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(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Kinsley Amburn attempts to clear the ball out of Graham’s zone and away from the Lubbock Liberty Lady Patriots in the first half of their match Tuesday, March 25. The Lady Blues were pressured early by the Lady Patriots. -
(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Macee Wilde maneuvers the ball past two Lady Patriots defenders to move the ball to their side of the field and attack their net late in the first half of their matchup Tuesday, March 25. Despite multiple scoring opportunities, the Lady Blues were held to zero points. -
(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Ellie Weatherman, Brianna Hernandez, Kinsley Amburn, Ava Street, Mylee Lattimore and Marisa Bueno line up during player introductions for their playoff matchup against Lubbock Liberty held Tuesday March, 25. -
(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Mai Bara steps up on a fast break to once again try and net the Lady Blues a scoring opportunity towards the end of the second half of their match Tuesday, March 25.
The Lady Blues played near perfect defense in their match up against the Lubbock Liberty Lady Patriots. Despite their best efforts, it wasn’t enough as their season ended in a 1-0 heartbreaking defeat.
In the first half, the Lady Blues had trouble establishing any kind of rhythm as Lubbock’s defense was playing like a brick wall.
Every time Graham tried to set something up offensively it was immediately deterred at the midfield line by Lubbock’s defensive front. On attempts where the Lady Blues were able to move the ball past the midfield line any fast break attempt was immediately snuffed out.
On top of being suffocating defensively, because they had so many stops at midfield the Patriots had many shortfield fast break attempts. However, head coach Casey Weil’s faith in the team was never deterred.
“We dealt with a lot of adversity, we had injuries, girls coming back to play multiple positions, but they’re always willing to do what’s best for their team,” he said.
The team’s saving grace in the first half was their own stoutness on defense. Just like in their first round matchup against Borger, Taylor Lauster was once again incredible. Lauster made seven big plays in the first half either with saves or defensive stops halting fast breaks to stop the relentless Lubbock offense.
Eventually, the Lady Blues were able to start establishing themselves at the end of the first half, but they were going to need to flip momentum if they were going to have a chance to win.
“I told the girls at the half, it takes one special play,” Weil said.
In the second half, the Lady Blues came out much more aggressive in the first 10 minutes. Offensively they were creating solid drives and setting up shot attempts, they just couldn’t seem to find the net.
Adi Pinkston had arguably the best shot attempt of the game on a corner inbound pass at the 23 minute mark. Pinkston had the ball lined up at the center of Lubbock’s net but was just a little too strong on her kick which led to a miss.
This opportunity along with others is what Weil said played a significant factor in their eventual loss.
“We had chances to win the game,” he said. “I think we could have left one on the table.”
The fateful turning point of the game came at the 26-minute mark. Lubbock was once again applying pressure in Graham’s defensive zone and Lauster, who had an incredible performance all game, finally proved she was in fact human.
Lauster attempted to make a Herculean effort on a shot that went over her head.
She snagged the ball with one hand inside the net and fell to the ground initially having possession, however she did not survive the ground as the ball popped out of her hands leading to the first goal of the game for Lubbock.
That goal would be all that was needed. Lubbock’s defense would ultimately prove to be too much for Graham as the Lady Blues season came to an end in Abilene.
Despite the saddening defeat, Weil expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach this team and talked about how proud he was of what the team accomplished this season.
“I love my team. Even though we were unsuccessful, I wouldn’t trade them for the world,” Weil said. “I’m glad I get to be their coach.”
Even though the season has come to an end, the Lady Blues put up a valiant effort against a team that had only one loss on the year.
