The Kararen girls soccer team was forced to play defense for most of the 80 minutes of Friday's Region IV-4A semifinal game against Davenport.
The talented Wolves, looking to return to the regional finals, kept possession and offense from the start.
But Calalen junior goaltender Caitlin Villalobos and the Wildcats' back line never faltered, forcing Davenport to work hard all night and denying nearly every chance.
A special free kick by Riley Riesdorf from nearly 30 yards in the 39th minute broke the deadlock just short of half-time, and in the second half Riesdorf added a nice move and kick that was nearly impossible to defend against Davenport. resulting in a 2-0 result.
“We've been playing quality teams all season and that's helped us get to this moment,” Calallen coach Sarah Pipkin-Love said after Calallen made its fourth straight regional tournament appearance. he said. “That's how we can compete with top-level teams. We think it's imperative that we continue to build our district. Because I think it will help us.”
“The cohesiveness of this team stood out to me. Everyone supports each other and that shows what this team is about.”
Coloren created several valuable counter chances to test Davenport, but never let the game slip away, losing in the district semifinals for the second consecutive season.
Freshman defender Kinsley Carroll credited Villalobos with the net goal, saying the team knew it had to bring intensity and focus against a good team.
“She's a very nice person,” Carol said. “It's good to be able to trust her because I know that once she gets past me, there's a good chance Caitlin will get it. I know she's going to stop it no matter what.” We all know.”
Villalobos, who made nine saves, emphasized the amount of time, effort and hard work that goes into qualifying for the regional tournament for the fourth straight season, led by a talented senior class.
“We got here without anyone looking into what we went through to get to this level,” Villalobos said. “No one should count us out to do this for four years.
“My eighth grade year was when my sister and her team went to State University. For the last three years, that standard has still existed and will continue no matter what. Even if we lose him, the standards will never change. It matters who we have on the team.”
more:London girls score early to defeat Beeville and return to Class 4A regional tournament
Berne captures London
Boerne, which reached the state semifinals a season ago, scored twice in the first 10 minutes Friday at Cabanis Soccer Field before rolling to a 3-0 victory over a young team from London.
The Pirates, returning to the regional tournament for the second straight season, had seven freshmen and one senior and struggled to deal with the Greyhounds' physicality and skill.
“Boerne was very good and I haven't seen many teams like that, probably Alamo Heights at the beginning of the season,” London coach Eddie Dillon said. “We need more experience playing against teams that play like that.
“We're going to strengthen ourselves in the offseason. They surprised me a little bit, but I felt this was a special group and had the potential to reach regionals. Once we're here, it's easy to kick down the door.'' Take the next step. ”
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