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Ridge Point's Hannah Warnken
HEADS HELD HIGH: Ridge Point's Warnken reminds her team of their historic journey
The Panthers moved the ball with precision and purpose while the backline, which featured the likes of Baylor-signee Georgia Mulholland, played an exceptional first half. Senior GK Molly Thompson (Lamar-signee) made several key saves to keep the score at 0-0.
Ridge Point's Georgia Mulholland (VYPE)Photo by Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
However, after this first half's war of attrition, the Marcus Marauders broke the tie with a goal scored by senior forward Bella Campos (6A Girls MVP) in the 53rd minute, shortly followed by her second goal via a penalty kick with (60').
Ridge Point made an admirable effort in their comeback attempt, but they would ultimately fall 2-0 to the Marauders.
Photo by Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Understandably so, several Panthers were feeling distraught by the defeat, but that didn't stop one of the team's captains -- senior forward Hannah Warnken (UTSA-signee) -- from reminding her teammates what they had accomplished to reach the State Final. They made school history.
“Having this silver medal means a lot," said Warnken. "We didn't get the gold, which hurts, but look at where we got. Yesterday's game [4-3 win against Wylie East in extra time], the adversity that we faced, and what we've gone through to get here, it just means so much to even get this far. I wanted my girls to know how incredible they've been."
Furthermore, Ridge Point's coach Evelyn Torres acknowledged Warnken's impact on the team and the strides her group has made throughout the Winter season.
Coach Evelyn Torres speaks with her team after the State ChampionshipPhoto by Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
“I'm really proud of our girls and how they fought in this game and how well they've kept their composure all season," Torres said. "I was also really pleased with how Hannah [Warnken] stepped up, especially when she's there to inspire and console the team. We're going to miss her dearly, just like all our other seniors, but she is the heart and soul of this team and has incredible positive-energy."
Ridge Point's Hannah Warnken (No. 3)Photo by Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Given this historic run that the Panthers undertook, what will the future of the program look like?
“We have thirteen seniors, myself included, who are graduating this year," Warnken said. "Even so, I hope that all these girls go into next year knowing that they have just as much talent and they'll be able to come back next year and do just as much as we did, if not more. It's a bittersweet ending to the season, but I'm so proud of them and I know they'll do great things next season."
Photo by Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Congratulations to Ridge Point girls soccer for earning the title of Class 6A Girls UIL State Runner-Ups. It truly was an incredible season and H-Town will be ready for more come next Winter.
Taylor Vinson (Sr. Defender)
2022-23 Ridge Point Girls Soccer
THE LAST OF US: Ridge Point Girls, Seven Lakes off to State
The entire Winter season has culminated in this upcoming finale, starting with the State Semifinals on Friday at Birklebach Field in Georgetown, TX, followed by the Title game on Saturday.
Here is the outlook for these H-Town clubs who are primed to cement their names in history.
Ridge Point Panthers (6A Girls Soccer)
2022-23 Ridge Point Girls Soccer
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Ridge Point Panthers
2022-23 Regular Season: 15-0-2/District 20-6A Champions (14-0-2)
Overall Record: 23-0-5
Head Coach: Evelyn Torres (9th year at Ridge Point)
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 1-0 Win v. Cinco Ranch
- Area Round: 4-0 Win v. Cy-Fair
- Regional Quarterfinals: 1-0 Win v. Seven Lakes
- Regional Semifinals: 1-0 Win v. Clear Lake
- Regional Finals: 3-0 Win v. Stratford
Regional Tournament MVP(s): "Our defensive line stood out in the Regional Tourney," said Head Coach Evelyn Torres. "Emma Lovell, Georgia Mulholland, Thaleia Caldwell, and Taylor Vinson protect our team and GK from any threats. Dayo Tennyson has incredible speed, and Hannah Warnken is the heart and soul of our team and gives it everything she has with her effort and hustle.
State Semifinals Matchup: v. Wylie East (28-0)
Keys to the Game: "Seizing the moment, playing great and rising up to the challenge," Torres said. "This aspect of the game is easier said than done. It's difficult getting here and you don't want to have any regrets when time expires."
Prospectus: Ridge Point is looking scarier than ever after knocking off the undefeated Stratford to seal their second-consecutive Region III Championship.
Last season saw the Panthers reach the State Semifinals only to fall to Rockwall in a heartbreaking 4-2 overtime defeat. Ridge Point will see to it that things play out differently, come this Friday.
"When the season ended last year in April to about November, we talked about getting back," said Torres. "That became our goal, our standard. However, once this year season started, as a group, we didn't talk about it much. We always focused on the game ahead of us. But if you asked everyone individually, that was their goal, get back to Georgetown."
The Fort Bend ISD reps are locked in, with a steadfast determination to claim their first-ever State Title.
"Winning a state championship for the team, for our school and for our school district would mean everything to us all. The girls have an opportunity to make school history."
Just two more wins to go.
Seven Lakes Spartans (6A Boys Soccer)
Seven Lakes after becoming Region 3 Champions
Seven Lakes Spartans
2022-23 Regular Season: 15-1-1/District 19-6A Champions (15-0-1)
Overall Record: 26-1-1
Head Coach: Jim Krueger (16th year at Seven Lakes)
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 2-0 Win v. Fort Bend Austin
- Area Round: 2-0 Win v. Bellaire
- Regional Quarterfinals: 2-2 (4-3 Penalty Shootout) Win v. Cinco Ranch
- Regional Semifinals: 3-0 Win v. Clear Springs
- Regional Finals: 6-0 Win v. Dobie
Regional Tournament MVP(s): "The past Regional Tournament saw several players standing out," said Head Coach Jim Krueger. "In fact, the past two matches have been the most challenging in naming a Player of the Game. One of the keys to our success is that we have a number of players that can hurt you and that those players play with a team mindset."
State Semifinals Matchup: v. Garland Sachse (21-6-0)
Keys to the Game: "Sachse is going to be a technical side that looks to play direct," Krueger said. "They have high work rate. We will want to try to make them uncomfortable with our speed of play in the final half. They have gotten this far for a reason, we will need to continue to play at a high level to move on to the finals."
Prospectus: Seven Lakes is widely regarded as one of, if not the best soccer programs in the state of Texas, which is indicative of their preceding successes.
The Spartans are no stranger to the pressure that comes with being in the final four, considering they reached the State Semifinals a year ago, in which they were narrowly defeated 3-2 by Plano.
"Where we are today is something that has been built over years," said Krueger. "Each graduating class has worked towards leaving the badge in a better place. The continued competitive growth of our district has pushed us to get better each passing year. One of the most difficult things is staying on top once you get there. We know this and continue to work hard to remain in the conversation as being one of the best in the state."
Seven Lakes now has the opportunity to flip the script this weekend, as they prepare to make history for the school.
"A State Championship would be an amazing achievement," Krueger said. "It would be the first title won by a boys’ soccer team in Katy. We have had several teams get close over the years. It will eventually happen as the soccer here in Katy ISD is truly top notch. It definitely would be nice to be the ones to the hold the trophy over our heads at the end of the day this Saturday. I know our school is excited about the opportunity."
First up is Sachse. Stay tuned.