Tigers punch their ticket to state

DRIPPING SPRINGS — On Friday, the Dripping Springs Tigers (14-11-2) traveled to Comalander Stadium in San Antonio for the UIL 6A Regional semifinals. After a two-hour schedule delay, the Tigers kicked off at 9:30 p.m.

The Tigers played Alexander High School (20-10) from Laredo and won the contest 2 to 1 — they advanced to the regional finals on Saturday and their next opponent was Rivera High School (25-5-3) from Brownsville, Texas.

After a long night from the delayed Friday night game, their next game kick off was scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. The Tigers' first goal came from a penalty kick by Mason Russell.

The Tiger goalkeeper Lucas Perez was busy and was able to block several attempts by the Raiders.

The Tigers went into halftime with a 1 -1 tie. At the start of the second half, York Merrill was able to connect and scored the second goal of the game. Tigers led 2-1 and were able to hang onto the lead. The Rivera Raiders had several attempts, but the Tiger defense was too tough.

“The players' confidence is just rolling, they keep getting better and better and they are peaking at the right time,” coach Josh Hill said following the game.

The Tigers have now advanced to the UIL 6A State Tournament Championship. The state semifinal game against the Allen High School Eagles will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Georgetown High School. The winner of that game will go on to face the winner of the Katy Seven Lake versus Garland Sachse game in the state finals at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.