By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
With just two matches left until the start of district play, the Del Rio Queens soccer team is getting its competitive mentality set and ready for another run at the postseason.
Del Rio is the defending District 30-6A girls soccer champions, but head coach Wilber Rivas doesn’t feel like that puts a target on the girls’ backs. Instead, it’ll be business as usual for the champs.
“We just need to continue to play our game and style every time. The teams in 30-6A are always tough to beat, especially in the second round of district play when they know how you play already,” Rivas said.
With 16 returners to a team that won 11 of its 12 district contests last season, Del Rio should be favored to repeat as district champions. Rivas, who was named coach of the year in 30-6A last season, said all 16 returners are key players due to their experience. That group includes goalkeepers Hadriana Garabedian, Alize Neill and Daniela Quintero and field players Kayla De Los Angeles, Kaylee Hernandez, Alexis Segura, Laurie Ignacio, Andrea Sauceda, Mia Ortiz, Giselle Castañeda, Alondra Sanchez, Noelia Ibarra, Xitlali Guadalajara, Alexa Rodriguez, Nicole Martiarena and Monika Gonzalez.
Ibarra was the district’s Newcomer of the Year last season. Castañeda, Segura and Sauceda were all-district first teamers; and Guadalajara, Ignacio and Ortiz were all-district second teamers.
Of course, there are several new faces on the team including freshmen Hayden Garcia and Anika Piñeda, sophomore Daniella Trujillo and junior Celeste Cedillo.
“All of these new athletes have a lot of potential. It will take some time to get them up to the speed of play, but they will be ready during district,” Rivas said. “There is always pressure to win a district title, and more so to repeat, but I believe there is more pressure to win a playoff game versus Northside schools. (29-6A) is a very tough district.”
Aside from their experience, Rivas also points to the team’s unity as one of its strengths as they prepare for district. “We are a very united team and believe and support each other on and off the pitch,” Rivas said.
Del Rio opened its season with a 4-1 win over Laredo Martin. Sauceda had a pair of goals and Ignacio and Gonzalez each had one goal.
At the Smithson Valley Tournament, Del Rio dropped its opener against Austin Bowie on penalty kicks. The teams were tied 2-2 at the end of regulation thanks to a pair of goals from Ignacio, but Bowie edged the Queens 4-3 on PKs.
Game two was a win on penalty kicks over Churchill. After a 0-0 result in regulation, Del Rio won on PKs, 4-2, with goals from Sauceda, Ibarra, Sauceda and Ignacio.
Game three was a tough 6-2 loss to a ranked Brennan squad. Sanchez and Hernandez each record goals in the loss.
Next up was the Northeast Women’s Soccer Showcase.
The first match was a loss to Antonian Prep, 2-1. Sanchez netted the goal off a rebound from Gonzalez. The next match was a 3-1 win over Roosevelt with a pair of goals from Sanchez and one from Castañeda.
Del Rio ended the tournament with an 8-0 shutout of Incarnate Word. Hernandez and Rodriguez each had three goals while Sanchez and Castañeda each had one goal. Castañeda, Ignacio (2), Ibarra, Gonzalez and Trujillo were credited with assists.
“Our defenders worked super hard not letting the opponent go through and the couple of times they did our goalies put a stop to their play,” Rivas said.
Friday, Del Rio knocked off Laredo Nixon, 4-1. Sanchez, Hernandez, Ortiz and Ibarra all found the back of the net for the Queens.
The Queens were scheduled to host the Uvalde Lobos Tuesday at Walter Levermann Ram Stadium. Del Rio closes out its non-district schedule Friday, Feb. 3, at San Antonio Cornerstone.
District play begins Saturday, Feb. 11, in Laredo against the LBJ Lady Wolves at 12:30 p.m. at Krueger Field.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
