UPDATE: Lady Lions soccer historic playoff run comes to a close
UPDATE:
Santa Gertrudis Academy was on the opposite end of a shutout Thursday night, as they lost 3-0 against the London Lady Pirates.
The Lady Lions season has now come to a close after being eliminated in the third round of the Class 4A playoffs.
For more on their season, and what led up to last night’s contest, check out the full story below.
ORIGINAL STORY:
For the first time in program history, the Lady Lions advanced from the Bi-District round of the Class 4A playoffs after they defeated La Grulla 4-0, last week. On Tuesday night, a 3-2 overtime win against Brownsville-Jubilee in the Area round has Santa Gertrudis Academy writing yet another page for the history books.
The Lady Lions, after placing second in the District 29 4-A standings, are headed to a regional quarterfinal matchup tonight against one of their district foes, the London Lady Pirates.
But before they step back on the field for the game this evening, Lady Lion Head Coach Melissa Garcia reflected on this season, and their playoff berth.
“When we found out that we qualified for the playoffs, we felt accomplished. All of our hard work was paying off,” Garcia said. “I really wasn't surprised because I knew what I had with this team from the beginning. They are a hard-working group of girls.”
After the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, sophomore Kaylen Burney said this year is just a continuation of what could have been.
“Last year we were headed for what potentially could have been a great playoff year, but unfortunately, due to COVID, we were stopped,” Burney said. “Each year the team grows not by numbers but by experience, and knowledge of the game. It's an honor to have been the team to make ‘history,’ but I hope that just continues to happen year after year.”
The SGA Lady Lions after defeating Brownsville-Jubilee 3-2. (Courtesy Photo)
For some of the Lady Lions, being in the middle of the playoff run is almost surreal.
“Honestly, sometimes it doesn't feel real, until you take a step back and really think,” Lady Lion senior Micaela Carrales said. “You hear about people making history, but you never think it's going to be you. It feels amazing.”
Lady Lion junior Samantha Reyes-Garcia agreed with Carrales. “It's also a great feeling to know that we are not only representing our school, but our friends and family who have been supporting us since the beginning,” she said. “This was something that we have been striving for since we started off the program, and just to see it all come in to play lets us know that all the work we've put in the off-season has proven to work in-season.”
For senior Caitlin Moreno, it’s bittersweet being a part of the team while injured in her senior season, but she said she has enjoyed the ride since the beginning.
“It feels fantastic to be part of this team,” Moreno said. “We will continue to shake some heads and gain the recognition. We are just a small 3A school that made school history. We will continue to strive to be the best.”
Coach Garcia said the girls have been taking each matchup “one game at a time” and look forward to keep fighting in a tough region.
“We are a small 3A school competing at the 4A level. These girls have never forgotten this,” she said. “The girls are very humble in their standings and are taking it one game at a time. They are proud of what they have accomplished thus far, but remain focused on the task at hand.”
As for tonight, the Lady Lions are more than ready to tackle whatever comes their way. And they agree, win or lose, the season has been unforgettable.
“We have reached our goals and then some,” junior Taylor Garcia said. “No matter the outcome of this next game, I am very proud of what we have done.”
Reyes-Garcia agreed. “No matter what happens in the next game, this team has built something so great from so little and that is the biggest accomplishment yet.”
The Lady Lions battle London in the Class 4A regional quarterfinals at the Cabaniss Sports complex tonight at 6 p.m.
