By Moses Leos III.
From the onset, the Cedar Park Lady Timberwolves controlled Friday’s area round playoff game against the Hays Lady Rebels.
Five goals—three in the first half—were enough for Cedar Park to oust Hays in a 5-0 shutout at Shelton Stadium. For the second straight year, the Lady Rebels’ postseason run ends in the second round.
Cedar Park attacked from the get-go, working the flanks of the Lady Rebel defense. They struck within the first nine minutes, as Cedar Park’s Nicole Burgett gave the Lady Timberwolves a 1-0 lead.
Hays’ defense soon became overwhelmed, as the Lady Timberwolves spent a majority of the contest in the Hays’ zone.
Hays centerback, senior Samatha Gordon, said the team tried generating pressure by pulling midfielders back. But Cedar Park’s relentless style proved too much to handle.
“It was always in our half [of the field]. We got out run; that’s on us,” Gordon said. “We played a very good game; we gave it our all.”
According to Hays head coach Brent Holcomb, a history of slow starts played a factor.
It proved costly, as Cedar Park’s Maddison Decker notched a goal at the 12:19 mark, placing Hays in a 2-0 deficit.
While the defense was on its heels, Hays’ offense couldn’t go forward. Time and again, Cedar Park midfielders clogged passing lanes. Holcomb said large gaps between the midfielders and forwards resulted in the issue.
“We couldn’t combine because we allowed the field to be too big,” Holcomb said. “If you give [Cedar Park] space, they are going to own it.”
Cedar Park’s final first half goal was notched with 57 seconds left via a cross to Burgett from Kassi Hormuth.
Hays attempted to chip away at Cedar Park’s 3-0 second half lead. They did so by using the long ball to attack the Cedar Park back line.
But Cedar Park’s prowess limited Rebel runs. Hays’ best chance came at the 23rd minute, as a shot from junior forward Mila Bustos rattled off the crossbar, eventually bouncing into the hands of Cedar Park’s goalkeeper.
In turn, Cedar Park continued its onslaught, scoring twice more in the half. Hays continued to battle, but were unable to tally a score.
While the season ended sooner than anticipated, the excitement of claiming the final 49-4A title resonated with the Lady Rebels.
“Going into this, I never imagined we could win district and go undefeated,” Gordon said. “Finally winning district we wanted and we had to have it. I can’t ask for a better season.”
At top: Hays High sophomore goal keeper Courtney Limmer (00) attempts to bat away a ball during Friday’s area round match at Shelton Stadium. (Photo by Moses Leos III)
