FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer
LA FERIA — For the better part of the season, the La Feria Lionettes soccer team has been finding ways to win.
After star forward Annette Ruiz came down with a season-ending injury during a preseason tournament, head coach Norma Tamez switched up her tactics and looked to her bench to fill the enormous void.
However, much to Tamez’s delight, during the process, a new forward was born and has been dubbed the future of the team.
“At first we struggled with finding a new captain that could lead the team and who was the right fit at that position,” said Tamez. “Fortunately for us, a freshman (Odalys De La Fuente) stepped in and has done an excellent job filling Annette’s role.
“Now we run a different offense, where we have multiple attacking options going forward.”
“After losing Annette I thought we were going to do bad at first since Annette was my partner up front. But Odalys came in and became the new Annette,” added forward Jacqi Caballero, who has scored 10 goals in district competition and 18 overall.
That small tweak led the Lionettes to their second consecutive undefeated district season and fourth straight district title.
Defensively, the team is led by team captain Angeles De La Cruz, who anchors a strong corps of veteran players including Ashlei Levrier-Howell and Flor Ochoa.
“I think we’re all good on defense because we all have experience,” said De La Cruz. “We’re not new so we know what to expect. Ashley has been here all four years and knows what she is talking about. Flor also has experience and I feel that our defense is solid and the strongest part of the team.
“In the beginning, Annette’s loss did hurt us, but it feels that our team chemistry got better and I feel that we now communicate better.”
The team now marches into the first round of the playoffs and face off against Monte Alto next Saturday at 11 a.m. at Lions Stadium.
However, the bi-district portion of the postseason isn’t new nor has it been a problem for the Lionettes. The area round, however, has been. Including last season.
After winning the right to play at home, the team was knocked out of the playoffs by a superior Pleasanton squad, 3-1. The year before the team lost to Mission Veterans 3-1 as well.
Still, the Lionettes are hopeful that things will change this season.
“The team is excited and looking forward to a competitive game,” said Tamez. “This year we are looking forward to taking more opportunities on set pieces and playing a defensive game.”