By ROY HESS | Staff Writer
As the District 32-6A soccer race reaches its midway point, the Los Fresnos Lady Falcons find themselves in the same position they finished conference competition one year ago.
The defending champion Lady Falcons are atop the 32-6A standings with a 5-0 record and 14 points. They are chasing their seventh district title in nine years, so being at the top is a familiar position for them.
“The district race has been very close, a lot closer than we anticipated,” said Lady Falcons coach Patricia K. Hernandez, who began the season with five returning starters. “We’ve been fortunate in that even though we have a very young team, our seniors have managed to bring it all together for us. They’re the perfect glue to bring this team together.
“At this point, our freshmen and sophomores are coming in (to varsity competition) without any fear,” Hernandez added. “As a coach, it’s something I’m very excited to see on the field.”
This is Hernandez’s fourth season as the head coach of Los Fresnos girls soccer.
“For me, this is almost full circle,” she said. “Obviously, coaching the seniors that we have on the squad right now (is special to me). Our objective is to leave a legacy, and I think these seniors are doing a good job of that. I think we’re representing Los Fresnos well.
“We’re trying to keep Los Fresnos’ name high,” she added. “Every game, that’s our goal.”
32-6A UPDATE
Since there are only six teams in 32-6A this season, the district can afford to take a week’s break at the halfway point of competition without any difficulties in scheduling.
So, this is vacation week with no games in 32-6A soccer. It’s actually not much of a vacation as everyone is still practicing and preparing for next week.
The second round of 32-6A action begins Tuesday with doubleheaders as the boys play at 5:30 p.m. and the girls play at 7:30 p.m., which is the reverse of the first round when the girls went first.
Next Tuesday’s doubleheader schedule has Harlingen South at Los Fresnos, Rivera at Hanna and San Benito at Harlingen High.
After the first round, in the 32-6A boys standings, it’s Rivera (3-2, nine points), Harlingen South (3-2, nine points), San Benito (3-2, eight points), Hanna (2-3, eight points), Harlingen High (2-3, six points) and Los Fresnos (2-3, five points).
For the 32-6A girls, the standings are Los Fresnos (5-0, 14 points), South (3-2, 10 points), Hanna 3-2, nine points), Harlingen High (3-2, nine points), Rivera (1-4, three points) and San Benito (0-5, no points).
TARPON TIME
Port Isabel’s boys have moved out to a 5-1 record in the District 32-4A race. They’re tied with Raymondville for the district lead at 32-4A’s halfway point after defeating Brownsville IDEA Frontier 4-1 on Tuesday.
“The guys are getting better with each game,” Tarpons coach Josh Kirton said. “We know we’ve played some tough teams, so our confidence is building. Our guys play hard and battle every game. We have a good group of guys that lead by example. They’ve bought into our plan and have executed it well. We take it one game at a time and give it all we’ve got.
“I’m proud of our players’ effort and determination so far, but we have a long way to go,” Kirton added. “We’ve got to keep working hard everyday and never settle or take our foot off the peddle.”
The Tarpons next play host to Brownsville IDEA Riverview at 6 p.m. Friday.
32-5A UPDATE
District 32-5A boys and girls were open Tuesday after completing the first round of their conference play last Friday.
The second round begins Friday with doubleheaders featuring the girls playing at 5:30 p.m. and the boys playing at 7:30 p.m.
Friday’s 32-5A schedule has Pace at Brownsville Veterans Memorial, Lopez at Edcouch-Elsa, Donna High at Porter and Mercedes at Valley View.
In the latest 32-5A boys standings, it’s Brownsville Veterans (6-1, 18 points), Valley View (6-1, 18 points), Lopez (5-2, 14 points), Porter (4-3, 13 points), Pace (4-3, 12 points), Donna High (2-5, six points), E-E (1-6, three points) and Mercedes (0-7, no points).
In the updated 32-5A girls standings, it’s Pace (6-1, 18 points), E-E (5-2, 15 points), Porter (5-2, 13 points), Brownsville Veterans (4-3, 13 points), Lopez (4-3, 13 points), Donna High (3-4, nine points), Mercedes (1-6, three points) and Valley View (0-7, no points).