Hays’ Jared Herselman makes a move toward the goal during a game this season. He was named Most Valuable Player of District 49-4A, joining many other Hays and Lehman girls and boys soccer players to receive postseason accolades. (Photo by Cyndy Slovak-Barton)
by JASON GORDON
Both the Hays and Lehman soccer teams were well represented on the all-district squads.
Both the boys and girls team from both high schools made the playoffs, with the Hays boys finishing first in undefeated style in 49-4A.
Hays senior Jared Herselman was named the Most Valuable Player, while Rebel junior Parker Thornton was named Offensive Player of the Year.
Lehman’s Jose Rangel was named Defensive Player of the Year, and fellow Lobo Fabian Mantilla was named Freshman of the Year.
“It’s hard to say what Jared and Parker meant to this team,” Hays head coach Jason Burnett said. “Jared had a great career here, and I’m really glad to get Parker back for another year so we can build on this year’s success.”
Hays, which finished 22-2-1 on the season, knocked off Manor in the bi-district round of the playoffs before losing 2-1 to Vista Ridge in the area round.
Other Hays players to make the first team were sophomore Omar Rangel and seniors Ian Allison, Jose Martinez and Chase Sparks. Rebel second teamers included senior Julian Salas-Porras, junior Billy Bolton and sophomores Christian Varela and Taylor Herselman.
“We’re going to miss all our seniors,” Burnett said. “They were a special group that accomplished a lot for us. We have a solid bunch coming back, though, so we’re not expecting the program to have a drop off.”
Lehman boys players that were named to the first team were seniors Oscar Martinez and Cory Bergstrom and junior Pablo Martinez. Lobo second teamers were juniors Cesar Ordaz and Riley Higgins.
The Lobos lost in a dramatic shootout against Elgin in the bi-district round of the playoffs.
“I’m really proud of all of our guys,” said Lehman head coach Jay Sansom. “We dealt with some tough injuries this season, but our team persevered and made the playoffs and came about as close as you can get to advancing to the second round.”
Hays’ Adam Simmons and Jake Morrison, and Lehman’s Richard Porche and Oscar Garcia were named honorable mention.
On the girls’ side, Hays junior Kelli Uresti and Bastrop’s Heather Green were named Co-Players of the Year.
Hays freshman Bracie Harris was named Newcomer of the Year, and Lady Rebel freshman Mallory Willis was named the district’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
“The fact that we’re getting all three of those players back next season gives you a tremendous feeling as a coach,” said Hays head coach Cole Reynolds. “We knew we were going to go through some growing pains early since we were so young, but the girls really came on strong in district.”
Hays finished a close second to Bastrop in the District 49-4A race, and then knocked off Hutto in bi-district before losing to Lake Travis in the area round.
Making the first team for Hays was Lena New, Megan Blanks and Riley Scarborough. Leslie Simoneau, Samantha Gordon and Dylan Devine were named to the second team, and Jessica Crockett and Lindy Mendoza made honorable mention.
For the Lehman girls, who finished fourth in District 49-4A and lost to Hendrickson in bi-district, juniors Haley Parsons and Amara Smith were named first team, Melinda Perez-Gentry and Max Soto made second team, and Megan Medrano, Mariana Filpi and Brenda Murillo were named honorable mention.
