by MOSES LEOS III
On an emotional Senior Night at Shelton Stadium, the Hays Lady Rebels closed out the regular season by defeating Giddings 4-0. The victory extended the Lady Rebels’ undefeated streak to seven games, while also keeping their opponent scoreless for the third straight contest.
The Rebels attacked early, moving forward and pressuring the Giddings back line. The Lady Rebels got their first goal at the 32-minute mark, as Jessica Cruz received a Mila Bustos pass in front of the net, pushing the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead.
Hays struck twice more in the first half, taking advantage of the smaller Giddings defense to score on corner kicks. The tandem of Samantha Gordon and Mercedes Gilmore connected on both corners, with Gilmore lofting the ball in front of the net, and Gordon heading in both shots on goal to give the Lady Rebels a 3-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, the Lady Rebels continued their dominance over the Giddings defense. The team had multiple opportunities to score, but strong play by the Lady Buffaloes senior goalkeeper Victoria Schimank kept the Lady Rebels at bay.
The Lady Rebels added one more goal in the 33rd minute of the second half, as Bustos scored off an assist from Tabitha Rodriguez to give Hays the 4-0 victory.
The Lady Rebels worked the ball around the field, with adept footwork, to beat Giddings.
“Passing the ball around was the key to tonight’s win. We know that they bunch a lot, so it was good practice to stretch the field,” said senior Savannah Derrick.
Defense played a crucial role in the win for Hays, which has extended its shutout streak to more than 240 minutes of play. Seldom did Giddings have any opportunity to work the ball beyond midfield, as the Lady Rebels forced the Lady Buffaloes to turn the ball over.
“We have always been lucky to have such a great defensive team. I am lucky to even touch the ball in some games,” said senior goalkeeper Sarah Sellstrom.
On this night, the focus went to the three seniors, who played their final regular season game at Shelton Stadium. It was a bittersweet moment for Sellstrom, Derrick and captain Lindy Mendoza.
“There have been a lot of tears shed, and a lot of running – that’s for sure. We’ve all put in a lot of hard work, and I am very proud of this,” Mendoza said.
Hays High girls soccer head coach Brent Holcomb talked about the seniors’ time on his varsity program. “Our seniors are really great. They are high quality, high character players. It is sad that they are leaving, but they are going to do great things. I am happy to have coached them,” Holcomb said.
For the Lady Rebels, their attention now goes to their first round playoff matchup, and look to take on any challenge from the opening minute.
“Sometimes, we get a little too smart for our own good. With the playoffs being sudden death, we need to play with a little bit of abandon and some urgency from the get go. I am hoping that we can feel what that is like. Either you do it or you don’t and sometimes it’s that pressure to put it on the line is tough,” he said.
The team remains optimistic about what lies ahead. “I think we are going to do well. I feel pretty good about our chances to go far,” Derrick said.
The Lady Rebels conclude the regular season with an 8-1-3 mark in district play, finishing second in District 49-4A.
