By ROY HESS
Staff Writer
It’s entirely possible that two of the Rio Grande Valley’s top girls soccer teams this UIL season can be found within the Harlingen city limits.
The Harlingen South Lady Hawks have a long-standing tradition of being one of South Texas’ premier teams since UIL girls soccer first came to the Valley in 1997. The South girls have never missed the playoffs, and that’s going back more than 20 years. In fact, the Lady Hawks have never lost a bi-district match (21-0) and have advanced to the regional tournament nine times.
Then there are the Harlingen High Lady Cardinals, who went two rounds in the playoffs one year ago and are expected to be an even better team this time around.
It should make the “Bird Bowl” quite interesting when the Lady Hawks and Lady Cardinals match up twice during District 32-6A competition. The “Bird Bowl” dates in district are Feb. 12 and March 8.
Also from 32-6A, San Benito figures to be an improved team with a new coach.
District 32-6A competition starts Feb. 1.
Here is a brief team-by-team look at each of the three Harlingen-San Benito 32-6A girls squads:
HARLINGEN SOUTH LADY HAWKS
Omar Pedroza is starting his 22th season as the Lady Hawks’ coach. South tied for second place in 32-6A last year with the Lady Cardinals, behind district champion Los Fresnos. The Lady Hawks advanced three rounds in the playoffs before being eliminated 2-1 by eventual state tournament qualifier McAllen High.
Nine starters are back for South, including goalkeeper Reid Davies, center midfielder Stephanie Torres, forward Mellory Grannum and defender Jackie Guillen.
“I think we are going to be pretty good if we stay healthy,” Pedroza said. “This year we have a bench with a little more experience, so that should help us.
“In our district, everyone is pretty good,” he added. “There will be no easy games this year.”
The Lady Hawks have played two non-district games so far this season. They defeated PSJA High 4-2 on Jan. 8 and triumphed over PSJA Memorial 10-0 last Friday.
South next plays host to Mercedes for a non-district match at 7:30 p.m. today at its mini-stadium.
HARLINGEN HIGH LADY CARDINALS
Debra Galvan is beginning her third season as the Lady Cardinals’ coach.
Last year, after capturing a 6-5 overtime victory in bi-district against Edinburg Vela, the Lady Cardinals were ousted from the playoffs 4-2 by McAllen High, which later became the first UIL Valley girls team to qualify for state.
When asked about her standouts so far, Galvan said, “Our top players this season would be forward Monique Rodriguez, center mid Claire Reed, defender Casey Charles, forward Lauren Powell, and honestly, the rest of the team is good at their positions as well.
“Our team looks great,” Galvan added. “We have depth on and off the field. The girls are able to play multiple positions. We’re working hard to go far this year. I like how they push themselves and give it their all when they’re on the field.
“We hope to have a successful season, but we know it won’t be easy so we are working hard.”
The Lady Cardinals won their first home match 8-0 against Laredo LBJ on Jan. 8. They next journey to Weslaco High today for a 7:30 p.m. non-district match against the Pantherettes.
SAN BENITO LADY GREYHOUNDS
Johnny Garza has taken over as coach for the Lady Greyhounds, who finished tied for fifth place in 32-6A one season ago.
The new coach sees plenty to like about this year’s San Benito squad.
“Right now, leading our attack is a pair of twin sisters,” Garza said. “They are forward Janie Castellanos and midfielder Lupe Castellanos. These two girls are entering their fourth year of varsity soccer and will produce many goals for our team.
“Defending for us is a pair of junior fullbacks, who are Paola Martinez and Vanessa Alcala,” Garza added. “Both of them received varsity playing time as freshmen, and now they have great poise and confidence playing in the back.”
Preparing for district is the most important thing, Garza said.
“Entering 32-6A, every team has a chance to win,” he said. “During the early portion of our schedule, I am trying to find the best 11 on the field with the best tactics to allow my girls to be successful and be ready for Feb. 1.”
Coming off last week’s 3-2 non-district win against Mission Veterans Memorial, the Lady Greyhounds were scheduled to play a non-district match Monday at home against Edinburg Economedes.
Against Mission Veterans, scoring for the Lady Greyhounds were Martinez, Aaliyah Garza and Janie Castellanos.