By ROY HESS | Staff Writer
The Hanna Lady Golden Eagles prevailed against the La Feria Lionettes and some challenging gale-force winds Tuesday night to win a non-district soccer match 8-1 at Hanna.
The Lady Eagles are drawing closer to their District 32-6A opener Feb. 1 at Rivera. Tuesday’s match was a timely tuneup for both teams. The Lionettes begin District 32-4A competition on Feb. 1 as well. They open district at Raymondville.
“It was a good practice game before we start district,” Lady Eagles coach Eliseo Guzman said. “I saw the girls passing the ball tonight the way I’m telling them to pass it. More than the goals we scored, what I really wanted to see was good passing of the ball from one side to the other and see the girls talking (among each other on the field) more.
“It was good to see us have the ball control we had in such windy conditions,” Guzman added. “I think we’re more than ready for district.”
The Lady Eagles scored first-half goals during the 19th, 24th, 28th and 39th minutes to lead 4-0 at intermission.
Hanna’s second-half goals came during the 42nd, 47th, 52nd and 80th minutes.
Leading the scoring for the Lady Eagles was Hilary Pina with three goals. Kristy Herrera added a pair of goals for Hanna, and teammates Samantha Galvan, Pamela Prado and Isabel Ortiz each recorded a solo tally to complete the scoring.
La Feria’s Jennifer Leal caught the Hanna goalkeeper out of position and sent a slow roller into an open net during the 48th minute to make the score 6-1, just one minute after a long, high Hanna shot made it 6-0.
Kaylen Chapa and Valeria Barba each played goalkeeper for the Lionettes and came up with some solid saves at various times during the match.
“This was a good practice game for us because it helps us see what we need to work on so we can get to the next level (in time for district),” said La Feria coach Adriana Carmona, now in her third season of guiding the Lionettes.
La Feria is the defending champion in 32-4A. The Lady Eagles are trying to return to the playoffs this season after barely missing out on the postseason one year ago.