ROY HESS | Staff Writer

The Raymondville Bearkats are playing their best soccer in recent memory, at least as far as their current won-loss record goes.

So far, the Beakats are off to a 3-0 start in District 32-4A (5-1-3 overall) and are chasing their first district title in the sport. Raymondville is leading 32-4A.

The Bearkats are coming off Tuesday’s 3-2 overtime district win against Brownsville IDEA Frontier. Scoring goals for the Bearkats were Saul Garcia with two and Sage Gutierrez with one.

Robert Howell has been the Bearkats’ coach for nine years now. Overall, he has 20 years of experience as a soccer coach.

When asked if this is the best team the Raymondville boys have had, Howell said, “I will say that this year’s edition of the Raymondville Bearkat soccer team has been really exciting during every match that our team has experienced. Our team this year has really been focusing on every match that we play and remembering what our goal is every time we step on the field. That goal, of course, is to make it back to the state playoffs after making (only) a first-round appearance last year.”

Raymondville suffered an early playoff exit in a 7-0 loss against state tournament qualifier Progreso one season ago.

“This year’s team is special in the fact that the seniors and I have been together in the classroom and on the soccer field for most of their years in middle and high school,” Howell said. “Personally, this year for me will be difficult to have to say goodbye at the end of the (school) year when the seniors graduate and move on to the next phases of their lives.”

Among the players on the roster this season for the Bearkats besides Garcia and Gutierrez are Jose Salazar, Jesus Cortez, Yahir Gonzalez, Juan Muniz, Justin Smith and Francisco Lugo.

“Overall, we aim to be a force in District 32-4A this season and beyond,” Howell said.

ONE TO CELEBRATE

Winning in Brownsville in soccer hasn’t always been easy for the Harlingen High Cardinals.

Yet, Tuesday marked a night to remember as the Cardinals came away with a 1-0 victory after playing at Brownsville Hanna. It was a win that notched the Cardinals’ first District 32-6A victory of the season.

A goal on a header by Jesus Berlanga during the second half accounted for the only score of the match, and it lifted the Cardinals to victory.

“This win just keeps us motivated to get better every day,” Cardinals coach Johnny Guillen said. “We have to stay humble and keep grinding. It’s a long district with great teams playing every week.”

Guillen said standouts for the Cardinals against Hanna in gaining the shutout victory included Luis Garcia, Jacob Garza, Shaun Handy and Jose Medina.

A VERY CLOSE 32-6A

Nothing could be closer than the 32-6A boys standings after two game dates. All six teams are 1-1 with three points each after Tuesday’s boys results. Harlingen South beat San Benito 5-2 and Brownsville Rivera topped Los Fresnos 2-0 along with Harlingen High’s 1-0 result against Hanna.

On the girls side, thanks to its 1-0 win against Harlingen High on Tuesday, Brownsville Hanna leads 32-6A with a 2-0 record and six points. Behind the Lady Golden Eagles are Los Fresnos (2-0, five points), Harlingen South (1-1, four points), Harlingen High (1-1, three points) and Rivera and San Benito (each 0-2 with no points).

Concerning the girls district race at this point, Lady Falcons coach Patricia K. Hernandez said, “We knew that Hanna and Rivera were on fire in the preseason. We knew it was going to be a tough start (in district) for us with fewer schools now (six instead of eight). We also know we have to have our ‘A’ game (every night), and we can’t afford any losses.

“For us right now, it’s consistency,” Hernandez added. “We just have to be consistent every step of the way.”

The Lady Falcons face another big challenge at Harlingen High at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Other 32-6A girls games at 5:30 p.m. Friday will find Hanna at San Benito and Harlingen South at Rivera.

Those same matchups exist for the boys on Friday with their games starting at 7:30 p.m.

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

LOS FRESNOS — Signing a scholarship to play a sport in college is an opportunity that is afforded only a precious few of the best high school student-athletes.

Allison Spier and Alex Salas, a pair of senior standouts for Los Fresnos in their respective sports, experienced such an event Wednesday at their high school campus.

Fellow students, teammates, coaches, school administrators and family members all gathered to celebrate the two athlete’s achievements with a signing ceremony for each one.

Spier, a four-year starter for the Lady Falcons in soccer, mainly as a defender with superb ball-handling and leadership skills, signed to attend Adelphi University next fall in Adelphi, New York, and play for the NCAA Division II Panthers.

Salas, a first baseman/pitcher/designated hitter who is entering his third season as a starter for the Falcons baseball team, signed his college scholarship to play next school year for Vernon College, a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association located in Vernon, Texas.

During her four years of playing for the Lady Falcons and club teams, Spier has established herself as one of the top high school female players in the Rio Grande Valley. She was named the overall MVP in District 32-6A last season and figures to contend for the award again in 2019. This season, the Lady Falcons are chasing their seventh district title in 10 years.

If the Los Fresnos girls win district again, it will be Spier’s third straight 32-6A championship.

“In my four years, I’ve built a sisterhood with my Los Fresnos teammates, and we’ve had so many great memories,” said Spier, who ranks fifth in her senior class academically and plans to study nursing in college. “We’ve had some tough losses, but also some great memories. I just know I’m going to keep those memories forever and I’m going to treasure them.

“I’ve been working for this goal (to play soccer in college) for the past 10 years,” she added. “When I started playing at age 8, this is where I knew I wanted to be. So it just feels amazing that I’ve finally reached my goal. I feel I’ll be moving on to a greater challenge.

“I’d just like to thank everyone for helping me along the way, especially my parents (Mark and Lisa Spier).”

Patricia K. Hernandez, Spier’s coach with the Lady Falcons, has no doubt that one of her all-time standouts will do well at the next level.

“Allison has brought great leadership to the team,” Hernandez said. “She has been leading by example all four of her years (as a starter). My assistant coach (Juan Diego Luna) and I have seen her develop into the player that she is since middle school.

“I’m extremely proud of Allison,” Hernandez added. “I look forward to seeing nothing but great things from her (in college). I know going out of state is tough, but she’s a person who can handle it.”

Meanwhile, Salas has been a member of the Falcons’ past two district championship teams and would like nothing better than to make it a third as a senior.

Falcons baseball coach Rene Morales said he expects Salas to have even more of a vital role on the ballclub this season.

“He’s been a role player (at different positions) for us the past few years,” Morales said of Salas, an all-district honoree. “I think he’ll be a perfect fit over there (at Vernon College) for what they want to do. Even though he’ll be far away from home, I think he’ll fit in well. You can tell that he’ll work hard.

“It’s always a special day when one of our players signs,” Morales added. “Our program is getting a little better year after year, and we’re trying to motivate these guys to keep their grades up so they can try to play at the next level. That’s what our program is all about.”

At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, the right-handed Salas has the size to make an impact beyond high school.

“Playing for the Falcons has actually played a huge role in my success as a baseball player,” said Salas, who expects to play first base in college. “It’s helped me mentally, physically and gotten me stronger. I’ve benefited a lot from this program here.

“This day (and this signing) brings a bit of relief for me,” added Salas, who plans to study business management in college. “I’ve been working hard (in baseball) these past nine years or so, and it’s really paid off. It’s amazing to me now that I’ve been recruited by such a wonderful school.

“I thank everyone who has supported me through this ride with all its ups and downs. Many people have really been there for me.”

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

Alexis Guajardo continues to be one of the top soccer players for the Pace Lady Vikings.

She’ll soon be taking her soccer game to the next level.

Guajardo, a four-year starter at midfielder/forward, was a key contributor on the Pace team that won District 32-5A with a 14-0 record last season. Now as a senior, she’s boosting the current Lady Viking squad’s efforts to defend its district title.

On Wednesday, Guajarado signed a college scholarship to play soccer next school year at Southwestern University, an NCAA Division III school in Georgetown.

“It’s really a blessing to play a sport you love for all these years and then get a chance to go play at the collegiate level,” said Guajardo, who expects to focus on attaining a pre-law degree at Southwestern. “It’s something really special, and I’m excited about it.

“I love the coaches and I love the campus at Southwestern,” she added. “The team and the coach were just so welcoming when I went for my official visit. It felt like home. They were so kind, so I think it will be a good place to play in college.

“It’s going to be a transition, but I’m ready for it. I’m pretty confident that it won’t be too difficult. I hope I can go there and make an impact for the team and help out as much as I can.”

Last week, Lady Vikings coach Jesus O. Villarreal had another Pace player, Marcela “Marcy” Garza, sign to play at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.

On Wednesday, it was Guajardo’s turn to sign.

The Pace coach said he is quite proud of both of them. His thoughts were on Guajardo Wednesday.

“First of all, Alexis is a key player,” Villarreal said. “She’s one of our captains who is a leader on the field. She has done a lot of things and played every position except goalkeeper. She has made a lot of assists and she’s getting close to scoring 100 goals (for her career).

“Alexis is a great student in the classroom as well,” the Lady Vikings coach added. “She’s amazing. This is not the end for her, it’s just the beginning of her endeavors. She’ll do well. I have no doubt.”

Guajardo said she is grateful for many people in her support system, including her parents, Juan Gabriel and Laura Guajardo.

CONFIDENCE BOOSTER

There remained plenty of positive feelings for the Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers after their 2-1 District 32-5A victory at home against previously unbeaten Valley View on Tuesday.

The Chargers now lead 32-5A with a 4-0 record (12 points) going into Friday’s 5:30 p.m. district match at Porter (2-2, seven points).

“This win was amazing,” Brownsville Veterans’ Mark Boswell said of Tuesday’s triumph. “We knew it would be tough, and we played with everything we had. Thank God we were able to play (well) and we got the ‘W’ at the end.

“It’s (simply) another win (though),” he added. “It gives us (added) confidence, of course, but we know we’re not done yet. We won’t be satisfied until we win state. Before then, we haven’t accomplished anything.”

In the 32-5A boys standings behind Brownsville Veterans, it’s Pace (3-1, nine points), Valley View (3-1, nine points), Porter, Lopez (2-2, five points), Donna High (1-3, three points), Edcouch-Elsa (1-3, three points) and Mercedes (0-4, no points).

A VERY CLOSE 32-6A

Nothing could be closer than the District 32-6A boys standings after two game dates. All six teams are 1-1 with three points each.

On the girls side, thanks to its 1-0 win against Harlingen High on Tuesday, Hanna leads 32-6A with a 2-0 record and six points. Behind the Lady Golden Eagles are Los Fresnos (2-0, five points), Harlingen South (1-1, four points), Harlingen High (1-1, three points) and Rivera and San Benito (each 0-2 with no points).

Concerning the girls district race at this point, Lady Falcons coach Patricia K. Hernandez said, “We knew that Hanna and Rivera were on fire in the preseason. We knew it was going to be a tough start (in district) for us with fewer schools now (six instead of eight). We also know we have to have our ‘A’ game (every night), and we can’t afford any losses.

“For us right now, it’s consistency,” Hernandez added. “We just have to be consistent every step of the way.”

The Lady Falcons face their next challenge at Harlingen High at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

The Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers had a strong belief they could defeat previously unbeaten Valley View in District 32-5A soccer.

They turned that belief into reality.

The Chargers’ Albert Maradiaga scored two goals from close range within the first eight minutes to lift Brownsville Veterans to a 2-1 victory over the Tigers on Tuesday night at the Chargers’ new artificial turf field.

It was a matchup between the two teams tied for the 32-5A lead at 3-0 apiece in the standings.

Brownsville Veterans continues district play at Porter on Friday as the sole district leader at 4-0.

“It was an indescribable feeling (to score those early goals),” said Maradiaga, a junior center midfielder. “Getting those goals so early just got us going.

“Valley View is a very good team, but we managed to take advantage of the opportunities first and go ahead first,” Maradiaga added. “It reminded us of the (San Antonio) Reagan game (last month in the Brownsville ISD Tournament that we won 1-0 on a penalty kick). This one was just like the Reagan game because it was very tough and intense for all 90 minutes. We played hard to the very final minute.”

Just three minutes into the action, Maradiaga dribbled in close and fired a shot into the right corner of the net beyond the Valley View goalkeeper’s reach.

It became 2-0 for the Chargers just five minutes later. Maradiaga again sent a close-range shot into the right corner of the goal.

The intermission ended with the Chargers up 2-0.

Barely three minutes into the second half, the Tigers took a corner kick from the right side and the ball was headed into the right corner of the net, pulling the Tigers to within 2-1. But, as it turned out, they came no closer.

Along with Maradiaga’s energizing early goals, the Chargers were boosted by several important and timely saves by their senior goalkeeper, Moises Navarro.

“You can talk about two or three guys as the standouts, but really, it was a victory by the whole team, even the guys who came in off the bench,” Chargers coach Alberto Vasquez said. “They all stepped up and did a good job.

“I thought we played a very good first half,” Vasquez added. “We kind of lost control of the second half a little bit. I don’t know if it was the fact that Valley View pressured us a lot more (during the final 40 minutes) looking to try to get back into the game. We should have been playing a little smarter and doing things differently, but it’s still a great game for us to learn from.

“Against a very good team like Valley View, you get exposed and you see what you need to learn from. Hopefully we can look at the game and make the necessary corrections.”

Valley View came into the match ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 5A by the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches.

The Tigers were 14-0-1 overall and 3-0 in district prior to Tuesday’s setback. Previously this season, Valley View’s only time not to win was a 2-2 non-district tie with Laredo LBJ last month.

It appears the 32-5A Executive Committee is investigating a claim of possible ineligible players regarding Valley View that may change the Tigers’ records. It appears nothing is official yet.

At least one 32-5A coach has confirmed the investigation is taking place.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s 32-5A doubleheader at Brownsville Veterans ended with the Lady Chargers capturing a 3-0 win against the Lady Tigers.

The Lady Chargers were up 2-0 at halftime. Scoring goals for the Brownsville Veterans girls were Maggie Martinez, Viviana Gutierrez and Raquel Cepeda.

The Lady Chargers improved to 2-2 in 32-5A. The Lady Tigers fell to 0-4.

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

The next generation of soccer players for the Porter Cowgirls has arrived.

The Cowgirls have a group of freshmen who have helped boost the team into sole possession of first place in District 32-5A.

Yes, it’s still very early in the district race, but thanks to Friday’s 4-1 win at Valley View, the Porter girls are 3-0 in 32-5A after a little more than one week of district competition.

Among the goal scorers Friday for the Cowgirls were freshmen Denisse Romero, Liberty Garza and America Rodriguez. Also scoring for Porter was Kassandra Demetrio, a senior.

Along with Romero and Garza, another freshman who is making an impact is forward/winger Keenia Palacios. All three are starters with Romero as a center midfielder/forward and Garza as a forward/winger. Rodriguez is another freshman who is contributing mainly off the bench as a defender.

“I’m really excited about having these girls on the team,” Cowgirls coach Abraham Gracia said. “It’s a good group to work with. They’re always here at practice, even on Saturdays when we practice. It’s really an unbelievable group. I couldn’t ask for anything else.

“There’s a lot of potential, hopefully for years to come,” Gracia added. “It’s nice to have them with us because we only have three seniors starting. (Besides the three seniors and three freshmen in the starting lineup) the rest are juniors and sophomores. Yes, there’s a lot of potential. I would just like them to keep working hard.”

It appeared the Porter girls might be hurting for goal scorers after the 2018 graduation of Priscila Cortinas, who finished her four-year high school varsity career with 100-plus goals. But the freshmen have helped ease the departure of the scoring standout who now plays at the college level.

“I feel very comfortable being on this team,” Romero said. “Everything is good. We’re continuing to work toward our goals. Our desire is to do the best we can in district.”

Added Palacios, “It’s a fun experience being with this team. In my opinion, the (Porter) teams before us were really good. They worked as a team (and had success), and I believe we’re working as a team, too. We’re working all together, and we depend on each other. We help each other out in everything we do. We’re working hard to reach our goals (of reaching the playoffs and doing well in the postseason).”

Prior to Friday’s 4-1 victory at Valley View, the Cowgirls recorded district wins against Donna High (2-0) and Mercedes (2-0).

Porter has a challenging week ahead. The Cowgirls play Tuesday at Lopez and are at home against Brownsville Veterans Memorial on Friday. Both games start at 7:30 p.m.

The freshmen and their teammates welcome the challenge of the coming week and beyond. The Porter girls are seeking to advance to the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

“It feels really good (to be a freshman and to contribute on this team),” Garza said. “I feel proud of myself for being on the varsity team when I’m only at the freshman level. I’m getting to play against the older girls. It’s good competition, and that’s what I like.

“When we (as freshmen) mess up, the other girls are helping us out,” Garza added. “Our teammates are telling us what to do, or how to do it better.

“Our goal is to go to the playoffs and win. This is really a great team, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

(Courtesy photo by Jeniffer Quintanilla)

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

Jose Lerma, Angel Ortega and Eric Lopez Jr. have been reliable, productive soccer players for the Harlingen South Hawks for most, if not all, their high school years.

They are leading the team as senior captains this season.

Lerma has been on the varsity as a starter all four years. Ortega and Lopez are three-year members of the varsity and two-year starters for the Hawks.

South coach Julian Robles appreciates having the three seniors on the team because a majority of the players this season are underclassmen. In all, only five seniors are on the roster for the Hawks.

“Right now, the biggest thing they are giving us is leadership,” Robles said. “These guys have been there when we’ve made the playoffs in the past. Their leadership is really needed because it’s a different team now. There are a lot of sophomores.

“They’ve gotten the team closer together, and they try to encourage the players,” the Hawks coach added. “They also try to help the younger players get better. They’ve been through our good times and our bad times, and they’ve seen both sides. To have their experience and stability is huge for us.

“It’s really important right now because we have a young group. Their overall work ethic is second to none.”

The Hawks are trying to return to the playoffs after missing out on the postseason last season. They’re playing in an ultra-competitive six-team District 32-6A, which began district play Friday night. South was edged 2-1 at home by Los Fresnos in its 32-6A opener.

The Hawks have a chance to rebound when they play their next district game at home Tuesday against San Benito.

The three captains all feel it’s a priority to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017 and make the most of their senior season.

“I think one of the most important things we’re doing this year is talking to each other and communicating the way we want to play together,” said Lopez, a fullback/midfielder. “We correct our mistakes and change our style of play (when necessary) without getting mad at each other.

“It’s like forming a union, a brotherhood, and coming closer together,” Lopez added. “It’s an honor, it really is, to play for this team. We’re coming off our non-district games and starting our district schedule now. We’re starting to really show up, and we’re trying to be as good as we possibly can be. We’re only going to get better from here on.”

Lerma, a four-year starter at forward, said he and his fellow captains are trying to enhance the unity of the team, particularly this season since there are so many younger players on the squad.

“It’s always been like a family all the four years that I’ve played here,” said Lerma, who was also the kicker on the South football team this past fall. “To play together with the guys that I’ve grown up with makes it even better. We’re a big family, and I wouldn’t trade this team for anything else.

“(As captains) we let the team know to work hard and to show up when it’s time (to play our best),” Lerma added. “It’s just like when their older brothers played for this team. They (and others) taught me you have to work hard to get what you want.

“We’re working hard every single day, and we’re going to keep working hard until we get what we want. This is our redemption year.”

Ortega, a center defender, is one of the current South players who had an older brother that played for the Hawks. That brother’s name is Brian Ortega, and he graduated from South in 2014.

“It’s a big privilege to play for this team,” Angel Ortega said. “Growing up and watching my brother play for this team was great, and now I’m following in his footsteps. We’ve been playing soccer since we were small, so this is our dream of playing together. It’s a good thing.

“Everything we do, the other players are going to look to us (for leadership) as the captains,” he added. “We have to set the standards on this team high. We have to do things right and show everyone on the team the right way. We’re trying to build the team chemistry and have unity on and off the field.

“We want to be not just friends, but brothers, because that’s what it is all about.”

(Courtesy photo by Harlingen South soccer)

ROY HESS | Staff Writer

Whether it’s the girls or the boys, one of the best soccer rivalries in Brownsville these days is between Hanna and Rivera.

The Lady Golden Eagles and Lady Raiders opened District 32-6A competition Friday at Rivera, and the result was a 3-1 win for the Hanna girls.

Later, the Hanna and Rivera boys played in the nightcap of Friday’s 32-6A doubleheader. It was a good night for Hanna as the Eagles won 1-0 to sweep the two games.

The opening match saw Sytlaly Loyde score all three second-half goals for the Lady Eagles, who built a 3-0 advantage before the Lady Raiders’ Yianey Diaz found the net with seven minutes remaining to account for the final score.

Lady Eagles coach Eliseo Guzman said it was a sweet win for his team against a city rival that had beaten his girls 3-2 with a late goal during the semifinals of the PSJA Tournament two weeks ago.

“We’ve been practicing good passing of the ball (and that was a key for us tonight),” Guzman said. “That’s what we’re trying to do with the girls. Even though it was hard at the beginning (during a scoreless first half), we were (finally) able to open spaces to score our goals, and that helped us a lot.

“Our girls gave everything to beat this (Rivera) team that has a lot of potential,” he added. “I told our girls, ‘If you don’t give 100 percent, they’re going to beat you,’ so thank God they played with 100 percent (effort).”

Loyde’s first goal to make it 1-0 came during the 47th minute on a header that bounced into the net. Her goal to make it 2-0 came 10 minutes later, during the 57th minute, when Loyde sent a crossing shot from the right side to the left corner of the net.

Loyde completed her hat trick for a 3-0 advantage during the 64th minute on a medium-range shot.

With seven minutes to go, Rivera’s Diaz attacked down the middle and beat the Hanna goalkeeper in a 1-on-1 matchup to cut the lead to 3-1.

Loyde returned to action Friday after missing Hanna’s previous game, an 8-1 non-district victory at home against La Feria last week. She sat out the La Feria game due to an injury.

“Yes, she’s back,” Guzman said of Loyde. “Thank God for this victory.”

The boys played with equal intensity before a lively, vocal crowd, befitting a city rivalry match.

The outcome was decided during the 23rd minute as Hanna’s Kevin Ochoa sent a shot into the net from the left side for a 1-0 lead that stood up the rest of the way.

“Any time you beat Rivera with their great team and their great coaches, it’s very special,” Hanna coach Reyes Prado said. “It’s good because it shows we can play with the very well-coached teams.

“Yes, it’s a good win, but it’s only one win,” Prado added. “We still have a long way ahead of us.”

Valley HS Boys Soccer Schedule 2018

Friday’s Games

District 30-6A

Mission High 5, McAllen High 1

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln 4, McAllen Rowe 1

La Joya High 3, McAllen Memorial 2 (PKs)

PSJA North 3, PSJA High 1

District 31-6A

Donna North 2, Edinburg North 0

Edinburg Economedes 6, Edinburg Vela 3

Edinburg High 2, Weslaco East 1

District 32-6A

Brownsville Hanna 1, Brownsville Rivera 0

San Benito 4, Harlingen High 3

Los Fresnos 2, Harlingen South 1

District 31-5A

Sharyland High 3, Roma 0

Sharyland Pioneer vs. La Joya Palmview, ppd.

PSJA Memorial 5, Rio Grande City 0

PSJA Southwest 8, Mission Veterans 2

District 32-5A

Valley View 6, Brownsville Porter 2

Brownsville Pace 3, Brownsville Lopez 1

Brownsville Veterans 3, Mercedes 0

Donna High 2, Edcouch-Elsa 0

District 31-4A

Hidalgo 10, Alamo Vanguard 1

District 32-4A

Raymondville 4, La Feria 1

VALLEY HS BOYS SOCCER BOX SCORES

Saturday’s Games

District 30-6A

MISSION HIGH 5, McALLEN HIGH 1

McAllen High 0 1 — 1

Mission High 4 1 — 5

MISSION HIGH (5): Sebastian Monte 2, Aaron Rodriguez 2, Johnny Cortez

RECORDS: Mission High 13-3-1, 2-0; McAllen High 0-2

LA JOYA JUAREZ-LINCOLN 4,

McALLEN ROWE 1

Juarez-Lincoln 3 1 — 4

McAllen Rowe 1 0 — 1

JUAREZ-LINCOLN(4): Sergio Escarneo 2, Nicolas Diaz, Jonathan Hernandez

RECORD: La Joya Juarez-Lincoln 10-2-3, 2-0

District 31-6A

DONNA NORTH 2, EDINBURG NORTH 0

Edinburg North 0 0 — 0

Donna North 1 1 — 2

DONNA NORTH (2): Rigo Escobar 2

RECORD: Donna North 17-3-2, 2-0

District 31-5A

SHARYLAND HIGH 3, ROMA 0

Roma 0 0 — 0

Sharyland High 2 1 — 3

SHARYLAND HIGH (3): Aldo Rosales, Alex Castello, Jorge Morales

PSJA MEMORIAL 5, RIO GRANDE CITY 0

Psja Memorial 4 1 — 5

Rio Grande City 0 0 — 0

PSJA Memorial (5): Charlie Balderrama 3, Angel Campos, Williams Macias

Saturday’s Game

District 31-5A

Sharyland Pioneer at La Joya Palmview, 9 a.m.

ROY HESS | Staff Writer

Margaret M. Clark Aquatic Center has been a source of pride for Brownsville ISD and the city in general for nearly 20 years.

It is a spacious indoor swimming and diving facility, one of the finest in South Texas, with the capacity to hold the largest of meets, such as this week’s Region VIII-6A competition that begins today and runs through Saturday. The meet will attract upwards of 400-plus swimmers and divers from as far away at Laredo.

Closer to home, the meet will include athletes from Los Fresnos, Hanna, Rivera, Harlingen High and Harlingen South, plus other Valley 6A schools.

Class 5A swimmers and divers such as those from Brownsville schools Veterans Memorial, Lopez, Pace and Porter will be competing today and Saturday at the Region VIII-5A meet at the Corpus Christi ISD Natatorium.

The Clark Center opened during the 2000-01 school year, according to aquatic center director Monica Rosales. The first regional meet took place there in 2005. This week marks the 15th consecutive year for a regional meet to be held there. Over the years, it has been the site of numerous high-level amateur meets as well.

“The facility was (the late) Mrs. Clark’s dream to take care of our children, who are our future,” Rosales said. “The facility has elevated swimming for our kids to be able to keep up with the big fish (as they compete against other top athletes from around the state). The uniqueness of this facility allows for a wide variety of ages and abilities to benefit.”

The regional meet at the Clark Center starts at noon today with prelim competition. The top 16 finishers in each event today advance to Saturday’s finals starting at 10 a.m. The diving begins at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Some of the Lower Valley’s top swimmers to watch who won their events at last week’s District 32-6A meet include Los Fresnos’ Luis Osuna (100 freestyle), Hanna’s Nadia Gutierrez (100 freestyle and 100 backstroke), Harlingen High’s McKenna Stock (200 freestyle), Harlingen South’s Justin Diaz (200 individual medley) and Camille Lizada (100 butterfly) along with 1-meter divers Seth Garza of South and Amber Warner of Harlingen High.

Osuna already has advanced to the UIL state meet twice. This year it is scheduled Feb. 15-16 in Austin.

Los Fresnos has perhaps the largest contingent of athletes participating at the 6A regional meet with 23 (12 boys and 11 girls).

Brownsville Veterans is not far behind with 21 athletes, including three male divers, who have qualified for the Region VIII-5A meet in Corpus Christi.

Brownsville Veterans swimmers and divers to watch at the 5A regional meet who won their events at the District 32-5A meet last week include Daniela Chapa (200 individual medley and 500 freestyle), Adrian Rodriguez (50 and 100 freestyles), Javier Garcia (200 freestyle), Daniela Santillana (50 freestyle), Nico Alvarez (1-meter diving), Salma Mena (100 backstroke) and Karen Rodriguez-Lua (100 breaststroke).

Also winning her event at the 32-5A meet was Pace’s Diana Garza Garcia (100 butterfly).

The top two finishers in individual events and relays at the regional level move on to state. The top three divers go as well.

Brownsville Veterans coach Frank Sanchez thanked all his swimmers and divers for their efforts this season, especially his seniors.

“I’ve had my seniors with me the last four years, and I just want to say that I couldn’t be more proud of them, and really, everyone on our team,” Sanchez said. “I wish them the best. I’m just glad they were on this team for us. The girls have won district three straight years, and the boys just came up short this year (by two points to PSJA Southwest), but they won district the two years before that.

“Our boys are a young group,” Sanchez added. “I think they’ll be hungry next year (as well). I’m really proud of everybody. This regional meet is something I think everyone will put a lot of heart into.”

ROY HESS | Staff Writer

The Pace Lady Vikings are developing a soccer connection with the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.

Marcela “Marcy” Garza has become the latest soccer player with the Lady Vikings to sign to play for the UTRGV women’s team next school year.

Garza’s signing was announced earlier this month by UTRGV. Pace held a signing ceremony in her honor Wednesday at the school auditorium.

It was just last February that 2018 Pace graduate Krissie Rivera became the first Lady Vikings soccer girl to sign with UTRGV.

Now, Garza, a senior midfielder and two-year starter for the Lady Vikings, will be joining Rivera next fall to play for the Vaqueros at the NCAA Division I school in Edinburg.

“Honestly, it means the world to me (to sign with UTRGV),” said Garza, a Brownsville native who transferred to Pace from San Antonio Brandeis before her junior year. “This is something I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl. Now that it’s coming true, I’m practically speechless and I’m very happy.”

Garza, a straight-A student, began playing soccer at age 3.

“That (soccer) ball has been with me throughout my whole life,” said Garza, who plans to study psychology in college. “It will continue to be with me throughout college as well, so I’m very excited.”

Lady Vikings coach Jesus O. Villarreal said he hopes there will be more Pace soccer players signing with UTRGV in the future.

“I’m happy for Marcy, and at the same time as a coach, I’m very proud,” Villarreal said. “For the Pace (girls soccer) program, this is the second signing (with UTRGV), and it shows us this is a (recruiting) zone for girls soccer. If colleges look in the right place at the right moment, there is talent to be found, and not just here (at Pace), but all over Brownsville.

“We were blessed to have Krissie sign last year and now we’re blessed to have Marcy sign,” he added. “I believe there are more (signings) to come.”

Garza said she came to know Rivera while playing in Brownsville Opportunity Youth Soccer Association leagues as a young girl. Now their friendship will continue as teammates at UTRGV.

“I’m very blessed, and actually, beyond blessed,” Garza said. “My parents (Greg and Jessica Nieto), all my family, my friends, my teammates, the coaches and everyone have helped me along the way to become the person I am today.”

32-6A ACTION BEGINS

Teams in District 32-6A start competition with girls (5:30 p.m.) and boys (7:30 p.m.) doubleheaders on Friday.

The first night for matches finds Hanna at Rivera, Los Fresnos at Harlingen South and Harlingen High at San Benito.

The Rivera Lady Raiders advanced to the Region IV-6A Tournament for the first time one year ago. They’re ready to make another run for the postseason in 2019 under new coach Eduardo Torres.

Torres said going against Hanna presents a strong city rivalry to start things off.

“I feel that there is no better team to go against in the district opener,” he said. “My girls are excited, ready and definitely looking forward to playing Hanna on Friday.”

Another new coach in the district is Matt Molina, who is directing the Los Fresnos boys.

The Falcons tuned up for Friday’s 32-6A opener at South by defeating San Benito IDEA 4-0 on Tuesday.

Molina said he sees his team as ready to begin district play, and added his players are looking forward to playing the games that count in the district standings.

LOOK WHO’S 2-0

The Porter Cowgirls and Lopez Lady Lobos have jumped out to the lead in the District 32-5A girls race with 2-0 records.

The Cowgirls are coming off Tuesday’s 2-0 win at home against Mercedes, while the Lady Lobos won on the road 2-0 at Valley View the same night. In their 32-5A openers last week, Porter defeated Donna High 2-0 and Lopez downed Edcouch-Elsa 4-1.

“It’s a tough district,” Cowgirls coach Abraham Gracia said. “Our girls are off to a good start. We still have a couple of things we need to tweak, but in weeks to come, I feel we’ll just be getting better and better.

“We have a very young group, actually, with only three seniors,” he added. “We’re proud of these girls. We just need to work on some things a little bit more. It’s a very good group that is very dedicated and very committed. I can’t ask for anything else.”

The Cowgirls are at Valley View on Friday, while the Lady Lobos are at Pace the same night.