KEVIN NARRO | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
McALLEN — Entering the new year, both McAllen High and Sharyland High have high expectations. Both clubs achieved a successful 2016 campaign and have a bevy of talent returning.
Thursday marked the first official game of the year for both teams in the McHi Showcase, and the Lady Bulldogs came away with the 3-1 win against the Lady Rattlers.
The Lady Bulldogs relied on their offense, with a pair of late goals in the first half. Senior Anna Hover laced in McHi’s second goal of the afternoon to make it a 2-0 with 16:39 left in the first period.
The brand of offense remains the same, with nine starters returning to the Lady Bulldogs. McHi boasts a young roster with multiple players experienced at the club level.
“It’s nice to open up our season against a great team,” McAllen High coach Pat Arney said. “It’s a good thing to challenge ourselves early in the year. These girls know each other from club ball, so there’s some chemistry. It was our first game, so there is always some nerves. Overall, we showed some good things today. I thought we moved the ball well today, we’re finding each other, and we communicated well.”
Sharyland High managed to cut the lead to 2-1 off the foot of Vanessa Guevara. But that was the only goal the Lady Rattlers mustered. Both clubs defenses took control in the second half. McHi netted a game-sealing goal in the final minutes to cement a 3-1 win.
“I feel we started out strong,” said Hover. “We have a quick team. I thought we did a good job passing the ball throughout the game against a tough team. It’s a bit nerve-wracking knowing the expectations this year, but we know what we need to do to get there. I’m one of the oldest players on this team, and I try and set an example for the younger girls on the team on how to carry themselves each day.”
On the other hand, the Lady Rattlers are coming off a trip to the Sweet 16, and are set for a new-look District-31-5A.
“Anytime you get to play McHi and coach Arney, we know it will make us better,” Sharyland coach Aaron Clemons said. “We worked on some things in practice, and knew what they would bring. We were unable to capitalize on those things, but it’s a long season. I feel Pioneer is the team to beat. They’re a powerhouse. This is going to be a tough district, with Mission Veterans and the addition of the Laredo schools.”
Sharyland returns seven members from last year’s district-winning club, including standout goaltender Kim Cano and midfielder Marcela Jarvis.
“It felt great to be back out here on the field,” Jarvis said. “We worked hard this offseason for this day. McHi is a great team. I know some of the girls from our club team, so that makes it fun. My hat’s off to them. They play with a ton of heart. Our expectations are high, because we know what we can do, and our coaches believe in us.”