AUSTIN — The Bastrop Lady Bears iced Austin High 2-1 on a cold Wednesday at Nelson Stadium in Austin.
Both teams entered the fray at Nelson Stadium with recent district victories notched in their belts and each looked to continue their success on the pitch Wednesday evening.
Austin High came out swinging and drew first blood early in the first half when Maggie Arrellaga snuck a ball past Lady Bear keeper, Jackie Navarette, on a wonderful individual effort. However, this was the only time Austin High found the back of the net.
Kaylyn Butler lit up the scoreboard and tied the game with a well-timed cross from Kattie Patterson. The teams closed out the first half tied, and equally matched.
However, the second half was all Lady Bears.
Much of the half was mired in staunch defensive midfield play with each team struggling to create opportunities.
Austin High’s Markley Ehrlich caused the gasps and sighs of many fans in the stands, as she harassed the Lady Bears goalkeeper and breezed past a shaky backline throughout the second half, but was halted on each run by Bastrop’s defensive efforts.
It seemed that the night would end in a tie, and both fans and players would have to leave Nelson Stadium with nothing but red cheeks and runny noses, when Austin High’s keeper boggled a back pass from a Maroon’s defender.
Meghan Morris smelled blood in the water, and pounced on the ball, scorching it along the turf and into the back of the net in the closing minutes of the game.
Bastrop (11-3, 4-1 District 25-5A) will take on Akins Friday at BISD Memorial Stadium before their all important game against Bowie Tuesday.
— Marcus D. Vela