WAXAHACHIE GIRLS’ SOCCER OPEN 2020 SEASON

By Travis M. Smith | KBEC Sports Soccer season officially returned Thursday morning with the annual Battle of 287 Tournament hosted by the Waxahachie Lady Indians. The Lady Indians opened the annual Highway 287 Tournament by battling reigning District 14-5A champion (0-0-1) Red Oak to a 2-2 draw. Waxahachie then soundly defeated Waco High, 6-0, late Thursday afternoon to improve to 1-0-1 on the young season. Both teams are poised for breakout seasons in 2020. WAXAHACHIE PREVIEW The Lady Indians are once again loaded with talented underclassmen, as the roster features nine sophomores and four juniors. Waxahachie finished the 2019 season with a 19-8 overall record and 10-6 mark in District 7-6A. The Lady Indians ultimately bowed out of the 6A postseason — their first-ever appearance in the state’s highest classification — in a 5-1 loss against Richardson Pearce. The 19 wins were the most for the Lady Indians program since posting a 20-win season in 2012. Senior defender Rockie Acosta, senior midfielder Angelica Gutierrez and senior midfielder Nina Ramirez will serve as the captains for this year’s Lady Indian squad. Stephanie Mendez, a defender, and Brooke Trull, a midfielder, join the threesome to comprise the 2020 senior class. Acosta signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her playing career at the Texas A&M University — Texarkana next fall. As for the youngsters returning for the Lady Indians, sophomore midfielder Peyton Renfro leads the bunch after she snagged District 7-6A Newcomer of the Year honors last season. She’ll be joined by 2019 all-district first-team selections and junior midfielders Bella Curiel and Angel Garfias. The group of returners — led by TASCO Hall-of-Fame head coach Jason Venable — has already proved more than capable, as they outscored Granbury, Haltom, Arlington Sam Houston and Midlothian by a combined 19-1 during scrimmage action.

WAXAHACHIE GIRLS’ SOCCER OPEN 2020 SEASON

Photo Credit: Kirk Holt/KBEC Sports