Late goal lifts Kingwood past Dripping Springs Lady Tigers in State Semifinal

BRYAN —The Dripping Springs High School Lady Tigers soccer team traveled to Merrill Green Stadium in Bryan to face the Kingwood High School Mustangs in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) 6A Division II State Semifinals. 

The Mustangs entered the match as the Region III champions with a record of 12–0–2, while the Lady Tigers represented Region IV with a record of 10–0–2.

Both teams battled through a tightly contested first half, with disciplined defensive play on both sides keeping the match scoreless at halftime.

During the closing minutes of the match, Kingwood created a scoring opportunity when a shot struck high near the crossbar area and rebounded back into play. A Mustang player quickly followed the rebound and converted the play for what proved to be the decisive goal. The Lady Tigers’ goalkeeper immediately signaled that the ball had contacted the football goal structure above the crossbar — however, the appeal was denied and play continued.

Dripping Springs pressed forward aggressively in the final moments in an attempt to equalize, but was unable to find the net before time expired.

After the match, head coach Bailee Perrine reflected on the team’s season and postseason run. Despite the result, the Lady Tigers concluded an outstanding season as Region IV champions and UIL 6A Division II state semifinalists, marking another impressive postseason run for the Dripping Springs program.

“The biggest thing I want the girls to know is how special they are,” Perrine said. “Not many teams make it this far, even though that’s hard to think about right after a tough loss. We have a strong group returning and we’ll be back. I also want to thank everyone who traveled to Bryan to support us — we hope we made you proud.”