A 1-3 mark over a two-day span was how the Lehman Lady Lobos soccer closed its annual run in the San Marcos Rattler tournament held Jan. 11-13.
Despite the finish, Lady Lobo head coach Michael Banning believes taking on top-tier competition at the tournament could pay dividends once district play begins Jan. 23 at Vista Ridge.
“All in all, we were challenged every step of the way in tournament and it revealed what we have in our group,” Banning said. “We’re going to work on our weaknesses right now, but it was a good tournament.”
Lehman (2-3) opened tournament play with a key 4-2 win over Victoria East on Jan. 11. Banning said the Lobos were successful in getting more players into attacking the net.
Tired legs hindered the Lady Lobos in a narrow 2-0 loss to North Crowley, where the Lobos couldn’t shut down their opponents midfield.
Lehman rebounded to start its third game when it held an early 1-0 lead over area power Cibolo Steele. Banning said a more defensive mindset helped Lehman limit Steele’s offense.
But three unanswered Cibolo Steele goals pushed the Knights past the Lobos 3-1. Lehman then struggled against 5A power Alamo Heights in a lopsided 8-0 defeat.
However, Banning said progress was made by various players on the pitch. Much of the growth came from freshman goalkeeper Courtney Alexander, defender Jade Hickey and midfielder Alyssa Ponce. All three were given their introductions to the rigors of 6A soccer.
“Last year, they were playing on their middle school teams,” Banning said. “They’re now playing against seniors who are about to graduate, or girls who are two or three years older. It gives them an understanding of how challenging and rewarding the district is.”
Other key contributors were Claudia Palomarez and Natalie Herrera, who were both integral cogs in the midfield.
Junior Kyla Johnson played a key role on offense, along with senior twin sisters Melissa and Messly Navarro. Banning said younger players see the Navarro twins as “machines” based on their work ethic.
“Those two working together is a sight to behold. Everyone speaks to their ‘twin-like powers,’” Banning said. “It’s amazing to see them. They’re on, they’re on and they feed off of each other.”
An additional component is having seniority on the team as well, Banning said. Players, such as Destiny Eberle, who are four-year starters on varsity, are helping to guide younger players.
“They remember how important it is to carry the tradition of Lady Lobo soccer, even though we’re in a tough district,” Banning said.
Scoring two more wins to close non-district play is a goal Banning has as they end the “first phase” of their season. Slowing opponents down, taking advantage of opportunities, and avoiding mistakes are what the team will work on.
“Little mistakes can snowball into other things. We have to keep focused,” Banning said. “Other teams will get their shots. But so will we.”
