by Constancio Martinez, JR.
special press
The Lady Tarpons made a triumphant return this season after being out of the playoffs for two years. They finished second in the district standings with an impressive record of 13 wins and 9 losses, including 1 win and 1 loss in the playoffs.
Their season ended in a hard-fought battle with Calallen in the area round of the playoffs, ending in defeat, but not without a valiant effort.
The team got off to a tough start, going 1-4 against 5A and 6A teams in the Brownsville tournament, but the experience they gained from the tournament was invaluable. The team won its next two games, but lost 4-3 to last year's district champion, the Idea Riverview Rockets. The next match was a close one, taking La Feria to overtime, but in the end they lost 2-1.
The resilient Lady Tarpons then won four straight, losing again to the Lady Rockets. After the loss, Port Isabel bounced back and won five straight games to advance to the playoffs.
In the bi-district round of the playoffs, the team traveled to Progresso to face the Lady Red Ants. The match was a close one, with Port Isabel taking the lead 1-0. Port Isabel's Mia Perdomo scored the only goal in the second half, and some impressive play from goalkeeper Desiree Vidauri led to the shutout.
Captain Luala Mosqueda had several steals, assists and shots. Meanwhile, the defense led by Katie Espinoza and Dulce Pardo was vital in holding the Lady Ants to just 10 shots on goal.
In the area round, Port Isabel faced a tough opponent in Calalen (20-2-1). The Lady Wildcats entered the game as favorites and quickly showed why, scoring all of their goals in the first half (5-0). The Lady Tarpons' defense strengthened in the second half, but unfortunately they were unable to score on offense and lost 5-0.
