Varsity girls soccer will face same team as last year for state championship

The varsity soccer girls have had plenty of motivation since last season’s shock that ended their dream season. Playing as the favorites against Austin Vandegrift in the 4A state championship game last year, East dominated most of the game.

Unable to convert shots, the score remained 0-0 until Vandegrift’s forwards broke through the defense and scored on a chip shot past then junior goalie Brooke-Lynn Scroggins in the 77th minute.

Vandegrift held on, shocking the Lady Raiders, to win their first ever state championship.

Since then, the girls haven’t lacked in motivation for one thing: getting back to state.

“Not many people get the chance to do it twice,” senior Asia Revely said.

Several times this season, the chances of making it back to state looked slim. Now a senior, Scroggins was injured in the annual Wylie rivalry game in March. She tore her PCL.

Several key players, such as junior Valiree Morris who was placed on first team all-state the year before and broke her  toe, suffered numerous injuries that plagued the team causing them to limp to a 14-4-2 record entering the playoffs, a huge dip from last season’s 21-2-1 record.

Luckily the girls team entered the playoffs on a winning streak, becoming hot at the right time. They blew past Frisco Liberty and Mesquite Poteet before dismantling Frisco Centennial 5-1.

In the regional finals, the Lady Raiders went down 2-0 against Frisco before coming back to win the game, 3-2 in overtime after Scroggins saved a penalty kick, redeeming herself.

Punching their ticket to the state tournament once again, the girls learned that Austin Vandegrift had also returned to state.

The Lady Raiders played Grapevine in the state semifinals and overcame to win, 2-1 with the motivation that this year is their year.

Following the game, Austin Vandegrift dominated previously undefeated College Station 2-0 to set up a rematch in the state finals April 18.

“This is our year,” sophomore Erin Vana said. “We fought our way back for this game.”

The girls are ecstatic to be playing Austin Vandegrift again.

“Playing the same team makes us want it even more,” Revely said.

Although the last meeting between the schools was less than ideal, the girls are ready.

“I think this is a great opportunity for us to have a rematch against them,” junior Samantha Ramirez said. “I think this year we are more driven to win and beat Vandegrift and hopefully win the State Championship.”

The girls will play at 11 a.m. at the Birkelbach Field in Georgetown for the 5A State Championship.

“God gave us a second chance and we plan to go out and take it,” sophomore Addie McCain said.

Kody Christensen is the head coach of the Lady Raiders varsity soccer team.