The Lady Hornets soccer team opens a new chapter in the Huntsville High School history books tonight when coach Pres Holcomb’s team debuts in the Class 4A bi-district round against Port Neches-Groves tonight at 6 p.m. at Humble’s Charles Street Stadium.
Four other HHS squads have made it into the postseason since 2000, all of which failed to get past the second round.
Holcomb likes his chances of making school history when comparing the squad to his inaugural 2004 season that defeated Houston Waltrip 10-0 before bowing out to Brenham 2-1.
“Because we’re a third-place team this season, we match up with a second place team,” Holcomb said. “So this is definitely a bigger game. We’ve played PN-G once already this year.”
Holcomb was speaking of the 3-1 loss to the Lady Indians in their own tournament.
“There was a mix of junior varsity and varsity players in that game,” he said. “We’re a completely different team now. I don’t think they’ll have much on us from that game.”
If tonight’s result favors the Lady Hornets, then they would earn the right to battle Lindale in the area round March 24-25 and have a shot at ending the four-year skid.
PN-G (16-5) is led by the scoring of senior Marisa Elam (12 goals) and freshman Natalie Hager (11). Their goalie, Breanne Martin, has pitched 12 shutouts with 11 coming in district play. The Lady Indians outlasted Nederland in a shootout to claim the second-place seed out of District 20-4A.
The Lady Hornets (13-8) are fresh off a 3-1 decision over Montgomery which gave HHS the final playoff berth from 18-4A.
“We’ve worked a lot this week on set pieces such as free kicks,” Holcomb said. “The girls have responded well to getting mentally motivated as well.”
Holcomb has relied on girls from a variety of grade levels.
Freshman goalie Chelsea McCracken recorded over 250 saves while posting six shutouts in district.
She is joined in the backfield by senior captain and leading scorer Claudia Castillo.
Sophomore Celene Amaya and freshman Ali Ullrich anchor the outside defender spots and are known for their physical play.
“Gabby Garcia is the staple of our midfield,” Holcomb said. “She’s by herserlf a lot in the center and controls everything for us there.”
Holcomb is blessed with three forwards who get their share of shots on goal.
Junior Kristan Rangel is the Lady Hornets’ second-leading goal scorer whom Holcomb considers a solid offensive threat.
Sophomore Myra Zavala dishes out assists on several plays and is considered Huntsville’s “goal creator.”
“Our freshman, Beatriz Juarez, is just amazing," he said. “She’s fast and has scored on some big-time opponents this season.”
Holcomb hopes she continues her dominance as Huntsville hopes to stay awhile in the playoff party.
“Our girls are highly motivated to the tee for this one,” he said. “It feels great to still be playing soccer towards the end of March.”
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