By Moses Leos III.
With the 49-4A title secure, the Hays Lady Rebel soccer team looked to sweep the season series with the Bastrop Lady Bears Tuesday – a program first.
Two first half goals helped Hays defeat Bastrop 2-1 on senior night at Shelton Stadium. The Lady Rebels improve to 11-0 in district; they will attempt to finish district unbeaten at Giddings on Friday.
Hays’ offense took charge, attacking the open Bastrop midfield. Midfielder Kat Salmeron said Bastrop defended the flanks, but left the middle susceptible to attack.
It became a prevalent theme, as Hays had open space in the middle for most of the match.
“If you give us the space in the final third, or anywhere, we are going to possess on you,” Hays head coach Brent Holcomb said.
The Lady Rebels struck with 21 minutes left in the first half. Junior forward Mila Bustos blasted an 18-yard shot via an assist from Victoria Ratliff. Her goal gave Hays a 1-0 lead.
Holcomb said patience from Ratliff and Bustos played a part in the goal. It proved crucial less than eight minutes later, as Salmeron took an assist from Bustos and scored.
“I saw an open spot in the middle, and I saw Mila had the ball,” Salmeron said. “I called for it and took my shot.”
Hays held a 2-0 halftime lead. Bastrop fought with a vengeance in the second.
Senior goal keeper Mallory Willis said the Lady Bears changed tactics, attacking one side and overloading the opposite.
Bastrop harbored several scoring chances before striking with 27 minutes left. Senior midfielder Megan Pacheco played a deflection and buried a shot in net. Hays’ lead was cut in half at 2-1.
But the Rebel defense held firm in the final stanza. Despite blustery conditions, Hays’ defense reconvened and halted the Bastrop advance.
Holcomb lauded his back line, which “responded well” to the attacks and got back in position.
Bastrop held several chances late, but were thwarted as time expired.
Holcomb said Tuesday’s game was difficult, as the team had already claimed the district title. But getting the win to sweep Bastrop – a team that’s held Hays’ number – on senior night became a rallying cry.
Now the team has the chance to do something else previous teams have failed to do – finish district unbeaten.
“To say we are one game away from being unbeaten in district is unimaginable,” Willis said.
At top: Lady Rebel junior midfielder Kat Salmeron (15) works past Bastrop defenders during Hays’ district contest against Bastrop Tuesday night. (Photo by Moses Leos III)
