by JASON GORDON
Both Lehman’s Amara Smith (above, left) and Hays’ Stephanie Segovia (above, right) were selected to the first-team All-District soccer squad. Both the Hays and Lehman boys and girls teams were well represented, with both Rebel playoff teams landing three spots on the District 51-4A first team. (Photo by Rudy Gonzalez)
Hays and Lehman were well represented on the All-District 51-4A soccer squads.
The Hays boys team, which tied its deepest postseason run in school history by advancing to the regional quarterfinals, landed six players on either the first or second team.
Hays midfielders Joe Garcia and Jared Herselman, and forward Parker Thornton were first-teamers, and Rebel goalkeeper Luke Adams, midfielder Robbie Clevenger and defender Chace Sparks all made second team. Midfielders Andrew Wristen, Hipolito Pa-dron and Keegan Fischer were all named honorable mention.
“Every single one of our players played an important role in our playoff success this year,” Hays boys head coach Jason Burnett said. “But it’s always nice to be recognized for your efforts. As a four-year starter Joe Garcia has wowed us with his gifts. He has truly been our ESPN highlight reel. We’ll truly miss the seniors like Joe, Luke, Robbie, Andrew, Hipolito and Keegan, and the others we’re losing, but are excited about the future of the program with players like Jared, Parker and Chace coming back.”
Despite the fact they missed the playoffs for the first time in four years after an injury-plagued season, the play of Lehman boys first-teamer Juan Gordillo, a senior midfielder, and second-team selection Cory Bergstrom, a junior defender, stood out. Also for the Lobos, defenders Jose Rangel and Christian Sepulveda, and midfielder Erick Dieguez were named honorable mention.
“Juan was a four-year letterman as well as captain and he played like it,” Lehman boys head coach Jay Sansom said. “Cory was also a captain and anchored our defense. I’m glad he’s back for one more year.”
The Hays girls team, which finished third in District 51-4A, had three players on both the first and second teams.
Karlie Junot, Lena New and Stephanie Segovia were named first-teamers, Laura Vogt, Samantha Gonzalez and Kelli Uresti were named to the second team, while Lady Rebels Alyssa Christian, Savannah Derrick and Natasha Anderson were named honorable mention.
“Karlie was a great spark plug in the midfield,” Hays girls head coach Ryan Race said. “Stephanie was our leading goal scorer for the season and was a force up front, and Laura played a great defensive wing.”
Hays star midfielder Joe Garcia (right), a four-year varsity starter was named to the first team. (Photo by Cyndy Slovak-Barton)
The Lehman girls team didn’t accomplish its goal of a repeat trip to the playoffs, but senior forward Dominique Jaquez was named to the first team and sophomore midfielder Amara Smith earned second-team honors. Also, Kyra Meaux, Melinda Perez and Valeria Murillo were named honorable mention for the Lady Lobos.
“Domino Jaquez is an outstanding athlete that is capable of playing any position on the field,” Lehman girls head coach Nauri Garcia said. “Amara Smith is our multisport athlete. Most of her time at Lehman is spent getting from one practice to another. We look forward to her magic in the midfield for two more years.”
