Valeriz Ortiz and the Lehman girls soccer team are back in the playoffs for the second time in school history but they face the daunting task of playing undefeated Hendrickson in the first round Thursday night in Bastrop. (Photo by Eric Guerrero)
by MARK CAUL
Although the journey has been filled with more gripping twists and turns than a suspense novel, Lehman head coach Nauri Garcia has his troops back in the girls soccer playoffs after a one-year absence.
“We thought we would be in the playoffs last season so it was very disappointing not to make it,” Garcia said. “But we are happy to have accomplished our goals this season.”
Garcia could hardly suppress his laughter when he chronicled the numerous injuries and roadblocks that his team endured to secure the district’s fourth place spot and a date with undefeated Pflugerville Hendrickson on Thursday night in Bastrop.
The Lehman girls have established themselves as an up-and-coming program and the future is looking bright as four of Garcia’s top players leading them into battle are underclassmen.
Juniors Haley Parsons, Melinda Perez, Amara Smith, along with sensational freshman Max Soto, have led the Lady Lobos in scoring for much of the season and will certainly be counted on to carry their team in the playoffs.
“Our scoring has definitely spread out this season as opposed to having one main scorer,” said Garcia. “To beat Hendrickson, we will need everybody to continue what they have been doing.”
Smith, who has played very limited minutes over the past five games because of nagging injuries, is expected to be at full strength for the playoffs.
There have also been a mix of seasoned veterans from the playoff team in 2009 playing well in their senior season – Mariana Filipi (an exchange student from Brazil), team captain Amanda Valdez, Jaszmine Rodriguez, Yesidra Marquez, Valerie Ortiz and Megan Medrano have all had a hand in Lehman’s push toward the playoffs.
“I’m extremely happy for these seniors that their season has been extended,” said Garcia. “It shows that all their hard work has paid off.”
Narrow losses to second place Hays and third place Giddings may have left the Lady Lobos scrambling for the final spot over the last couple of weeks, but since they are officially back in the postseason for the second time in school history, Garcia wants his team to approach the tough order of trying to take down the Lady Hawks, who have allowed only four goals all season, with confidence.
“We will show up and play as hard as we can and let the chips fall where they may,” said Garcia. “Anything can happen.”
