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REGIONAL SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Celina vs. Henderson
The Celina Lady Bobcats have had a remarkable season so far. As the Lady Bobcats head into their Regional Semifinals showdown against Henderson, VYPE DFW takes a look at their season and breaks down what fans can expect on Friday:
Finishing at the top of their district, the Lady Bobcats went undefeated in district play this season with a 14-0 district record. In fact, Celina girls soccer has only dropped one game all season- a preseason game against an incredibly strong The Colony team. The Lady Bobcats have posted big wins this season against the likes of Crandall, Nevada Community, Caddo Mills, Farmersville, and more en route to playoffs. So far this season, Celina has posted 13 shutout victories- including a 14-0 victory against Dallas Wilmer-Hutchins and a 9-0 victory over Caddo Mills in the playoffs.
Lead by Taylor Zdrojewski, Madi Vana, Brielle Buchanan, Lexi Tuite, and more- Celina has ended the seasons for Athens, Dallas Wilmer-Hutchins, and Caddo Mills while allowing only one goal against them in playoffs. The team has a defense that hardly allows scores against them and sets the offense up for success. The offense can be seen throughout the game playing fast, scoring fast, and setting a tone that many have struggled to keep up with all season long. Fans can expect Celina to continue to play strong on Friday afternoon as they take on Henderson (19-4-2) in the Regional Semifinals.
The game is set to begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 8th at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium in Tyler, Texas.
VYPE DFW Recruit of the Week: Celina Soccer's Lexi Tuite
A week after coming in in the runner-up position for the VYPE DFW 2021 Girls Soccer Goal Scorer of the Year Fan Poll, Celina sophomore Lexi Tuite was selected as this week's VYPE DFW's Recruit of the week.
Team Success is Personal Success
Tuite has consistently shown that she is a team player. In fact, she have given credit to her teammates for the successful season she was able to have. "The secret to my success was truly my teammates," Tuite said in an interview with VYPE Media. "Their constant support and having amazing chemistry with them allowed for loads of success on the field." As far as the team's success is concerned, Tuite chalks it up to chemistry. "I think [the team's] secret to success was how much our team loved each other and how chemistry on and off the field; we're all friends that were able to trust each other to do their job on the field."
Tuite posted 28 goals this season for Celina. Though she's proud of her accomplishments, she's also proud to sing her teammates' successes as she talked about teammate Taylor Zdrojewski (87 goals) who broke the state record of goals scored in a season on the team's way to breaking the national record for goals scored in a season (243 goals). Zdrojewski was also nominated for the Fan Poll.
Making the most of the season
With a shortened season last season due to a global pandemic, Tuite looked ahead to this year. She believes it only made the team stronger. "I think the fact that our season was cut short last year encouraged us to come our this year stronger and harder with a chip on our shoulders since it was taken from us before," said Tuite. The fight instilled in the athletes this season gave Tuite her favorite memories yet with the team. "My favorite memory with this team has to be our playoff season as a whole because we fought so hard through every game with an eye for a state championship. Although we didn't achieve being state champs, I had an amazing season and wouldn't have wanted dot play with any other team.
Although Tuite is not yet committed, she still has plans for the future. As of right now, she would like to major in international business or something along those lines.
Fun Interview Questions
Who is your favorite professional sports team?
"My favorite professional team would have to be the US Women's National Team. I know that sounds very basic, but I truly admire the incredible reputation and the various world records they hold."
Who do you look up to as an athlete?
"I look up to Rose Lavelle a lot. She plays for the USWNT and I admire how much success and grit she has on the field- especially as a young player for the national team."