By Kyle Lehnick
A 30 minute weather delay Friday wasn’t enough to rain on the Lehman Lady Lobos’ parade toward a playoff berth.
An overwhelming Lehman offensive effort carried the Lady Lobos to a decisive 8-1 win over the Akins Lady Eagles on senior night at Lobo Field. By virtue of the win, along with a Hays High loss to Anderson, Lehman solidified its first playoff berth since the 2014 season.
For senior Lexi Sanchez, ensuring the senior class rectified missing the playoffs last season was their ultimate goal.
“We wanted (to make the playoffs) in our senior year,” Sanchez said. “We came out here, we did it and we’re so proud of each other.”
Lady Lobos head coach Nauri Garcia said the team wanted to “come out on all cylinders” to start the game. He cited the importance of the contest, as Lehman had to win to keep pace with the playoff chase.
The Lady Lobos didn’t waste time in building a insurmountable lead in the first half. Lehman’s offense overpowered Akins to take a commanding lead at halftime.
Leading the charge was the play of the seniors, including Sanchez, Riley Block and Pamela Lasprilla.
The trio accounted for four of the Lady Lobos’ eight goals, with Lasprilla scoring twice in the contest.
Garcia said the team’s ability to follow shots assisted the team in notching goals and building on the lead. He also cited the team dribbling the ball into the 18-yard box, instead of passing it.
But for Garcia, ensuring the Lady Lobos didn’t look past Akins was his top priority.
“We were trying not to fall in the idea that the game was going to be given to us. We had to get the game,” Garcia said. “We needed this win and the girls made sure they got ahead early.”
Lehman continued to press forward in the second half as the team dominated the field, outscoring Akins in the final 40 minutes.
The experience of the seniors, Garcia said, has helped push the team forward as they now ready for the postseason. He said the experience shows when they step on the field.
“We have fun, but when it comes down to business, they click on and the underclassmen follow along,” Garcia said. “The seniors have bonded together and made it about the whole team.”
Lehman currently holds third place in 14-6A and is fighting for playoff positioning. On Tuesday, Lehman played Westlake.
Focusing on team defense is what Garcia said will be priority as they face offensively oriented opponents from 13-6A.
Utilizing underclassmen such as freshman Kyla Johnson, who has scored six goals over the last seven games, has helped, Garcia said.
“This was a good win for spring break and the playoffs,” Sanchez said.
