Girl’s soccer makes it to regional semi-finals

girls soccer claire 1

When the varsity girls soccer team members gather May 3 for their end-of-year banquet, they will have much to celebrate. They have secured four straight District Championships. They are ranked number 19 in the nation, according to Top Drawer Winter Rankings. Varsity currently has a 48-game undefeated District streak over the past four years, with a 23-game shutout streak that ended March 10 against Lake Travis. The Chaps allowed only eight goals to be scored on them this entire District season.

On top of an incredible season, individually the girls have earned some remarkable recognition including multiple players signing to some of the top college soccer programs in the nation. Senior Zayne Matulis committed to Harvard, senior Kendall Richie committed to A&M, junior Haley Bishop committed to SMU, and sophomore Renny Moore committed to Texas State. Westlake has a history of sending soccer players to some impressive universities in the past years including University of North Carolina, Emory University, Trinity University and Rhodes College.

“When I found out that I was being recruited to play on Texas A&M’s team, I was so happy,” Kendall said. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was 3 to play college soccer, and getting that email from the coach was the best day of my life. Going there for college was my plan, but getting to play soccer at my first choice school made that plan so much better. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for me, and I can’t thank everyone who has helped me enough.”

Multiple individual awards were given for All District for 14-6A. Freshman Lucy Laguarta was named the overall District MVP this year. Renny was named District Offensive Player of the Year and head coach Rennie Rebe was named District Coach of the Year.

“I was kind of in shock when Coach Rebe said that I got the [District MVP] award,” Lucy said. “I didn’t really believe it, but when it sunk in I felt so honored. At the end of the day it’s all about enjoying the time I’ve had to play with these amazing girls.”

Beyond the statistics, the seniors on the varsity team have a bond that is apparent during every game and practice. The encouragement of one another is constant every second on the field. It is not uncommon for the players to stand the entire game and cheer loudly from the sidelines, wholeheartedly supporting their teammates. After every goal scored by Westlake, the entire varsity team screams “I love my team!” and high fives are given all around. Every single senior on the team has been a part of Westlake soccer for the entirety of her high school career, so it’s no wonder that some unforgettable friendships have been made.

“The girls on the soccer team were my second family,” senior Taylor Bock said. “We always had a great time, and I am really going to miss the closeness and unity of the team next year.”
This season ended with a loss to Highland Park 2-0 on April 10 in the fourth round of playoffs on their way to State.

“We had our chances against Highland Park in the Regional Semi-Finals and didn’t capitalize,” Rebe said. “It is always an accomplishment to get to the Regional Tournament; we had a great run. We also had a lot of fun along the way, and I am proud of the girls.”