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STATE SEMIFINALS: Duncanville returns after nearly 4 decades away
It has been thirty-eight years in the making, but the Duncanville Panthers have punched their ticket to the UIL State Tournament for the first time since 1986 where they won the title. VYPE DFW takes a look at their season and lays out just what fans can expect this week:
This Season So Far
Under head coach Nuno Passos, athletes like Jesus Diaz, Adrian Beltran, Donovan Puente, Isaiah Guerra, Nathanael Zozaya, Edueardo Alaniz, and others have made this a season to remember not only for themselves, but for the Panthers' fans as well. Losing only two matches the entire season, the team started the year with a bang as they took on their non-district opponents and defeated Wichita Falls (2-0), Bossier (2-1), Lancaster (11-0), and more en route to district play.
Once in district play, the team remained focused despite several challenges and overcame moments that others said were impossible. With a 9-2-3 district record and a third-place finish in their district standings, the team was able to showcase their dedication and resiliency as they recorded victories over the likes of Waxahachie (3-1), DeSoto (6-0), Mansfield Legacy (6-1), Cedar Hill (5-0), and more as they hunted for a playoff spot.
Once in the playoffs, this squad kicked things into high-gear as they prepared to face-off against some of the state's toughest competitors. Allowing only one goal to be scored against them so far in playoffs this season, the team sent home Rockwall, Garland, The Woodlands, and Cypress Woods before punching their ticket to the state tournament.
What to Expect
Ready to show every naysayer that their squad is meant to be there, the Duncanville Panthers can be expected to bring a fire to the field in the state semifinals. Taking on defending state champions Katy Seven Lakes who boasts a 23-1-2 overall record this season, the Panthers have what it takes to force their opponent to slow down. Ready to get the job done and punch their ticket to the state title match for the first time in nearly four decades, Duncanville refuses to allow their fire to be snuffed out without a fight.
The game is slated to begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12th in Georgetown, Texas.
STATE SEMIFINALS: Prosper Lady Eagles make historic appearance in State Tournament
The Prosper Lady Eagles' soccer team is making history this season as they embark on their first journey to the UIL State Tournament. Led by head coach Matt Dickinson, the team is set to take on Katy Seven Lakes in the state semifinals. VYPE DFW takes a look at their season so far and just what fans can expect:
The Season So Far
Opening their season with seven consecutive victories in non-district play over several opponents who are known for their skill on the field, the Lady Eagles recorded victory after victory over Highland Park (4-3), Dripping Springs (5-1), Flower Mound Marcus (2-0), Mansfield (3-1), Hockaday (3-1), and others as they sharpened their skills and prepared for the upcoming district schedule. Led by athletes like Maggie Manning, Beya Rosales, Madison Logeman, Olivia Hess, Skyler Yaroma, Brooklyn Miller, and others, the team was ready to get the ball rolling right out of the gate as they entered district play.
Finishing third in their district standings with a 10-2-2 record, the team never shied away from hard work and dedication on the field. Showcasing their ability to be resilient and their mentality to continue to learn from each moment, the team played with poise and grace as they defeated tough district opponents like Prosper Rock Hill (3-0), Little Elm (2-1), Denton Braswell (9-0, 13-0), McKinney (6-0), and more en route to the playoffs.
Once in the playoffs, there wasn't a second that the team showed any hesitation as they faced down some of the toughest opponents in the state. First, they defeated Coppell in a 2-1 overtime battle before they sent Arlington, Hebron, Southlake Carrol, and Flower Mound Marcus packing.
What to Expect
Punching their historic ticket to the state tournament is not going unnoticed by coaches, athletes, or fans. Continuing to put forth hard work with a drive to succeed, this squad can be expected to be ready to take on a challenge in facing the defending state champions who come into the tournament boasting a 23-1-2 overall record. Lady Eagles fans can expect a fast-paced environment where Prosper is sure to leave everything on the field with the hopes of advancing to the state title match.
The game is slated to begin at 12 p.m. on Friday, April 12th in Georgetown, Texas.