By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
Having numerous San Benito Lady Greyhounds earn valuable spots on the All-District 32-6A first and second-place soccer teams put a stamp on the program’s bright future, the highlight being a postseason berth for the first time in more than a decade.
Other district coaches also took notice, and SBHS Head Coach Wilbert Padron praised his student-athletes’ efforts.
“This season showed progress for our program. We became more competitive and more consistent, and we handled big moments better. It was not perfect, but it was a step forward in establishing our standard,” said Coach Padron.
“We have a young team, and going through that gave our players a better understanding of what is required at that level,” Padron added. “Now the expectations have changed. Next year, the goal is not just to make the playoffs, but to be ready for that moment and to compete in the bi-district round.”
SBHS finished second in the Brownsville ISD Tournament during the first month of regular-season play.
“That was a promising early sign of what this group can do against strong competition,” Coach Padron said.
Those victories helped catapult SBHS to finish with an overall 12-14-1 record, compared to eight wins the previous season and just four the year prior.
The Lady ‘Hounds also earned a playoff spot after playing a bi-district match in Weslaco. SBHS had gone winless in district play for the previous seven years, leaving no shot at a postseason berth.
“(Playoffs) was a big step for us. At the same time, it was new for our group,” Coach Padron said. “We were a little green in that environment, and it showed at times. That experience matters.”
Among the Lady ‘Hounds to place on the All-District First Team were: junior forward Mayeli Rodriguez, sophomore forward Madisann Murillo; junior midfielder Camila Guajardo, freshman midfielder Victoria Villalpando; senior defender Valeria Soto, and junior defender Liennai Allen.
Sophomore Alana Sifuentes was named Utility Player of the Year; and freshman Danielle Davila was Newcomer of the Year.
Lady ‘Hounds earning All-District Second Team were: Sophomore midfielder Alexia Delgado; senior defender Amy Herrera, and junior defender Jeslyn Rosalez.
Lady ‘Hounds earning Honorable Mention were sophomore forward Mary Jayne Herrera and sophomore goalkeeper Valeria Ramos.
“The All-District selections reflect the impact our players had this season. We had players recognized across the board. It shows that our players are being recognized by other coaches in the district, Coach Padron said. “It is another sign that we are moving in the right direction. Our top performers set the tone for us.”
SBHS goal scorers were as follows: Mayeli Rodriguez 28, Danielle Davila 6, Victoria Villalpando 6, Madisann Murillo 5, Camila Guajardo 3, Yadhira Hernandez 3, Alexia Delgado 2, Amy Herrera 2, Alayna Navarro 1, Valeria Soto 1, and Mary Jayne Herrera 1.
Total SBHS assists were as follows: Mayeli Rodriguez 6, Danielle Davila 6, Jeslyn Rosalez 5, Madisann Murillo 4, Victoria Villalpando 3, Valeria Soto 3, Alexia Delgado 2, Amy Herrera 1, Mary Jayne Herrera 1, and Alayna Navarro 1.
Coach Padron said defensively that goalkeeper Ramos was supported on the field by defenders Allen, Soto, Herrera, and Rosalez. They recorded nine clean sheets in the process.
Padron added that Rodriguez was consistently productive all season, finishing with a team-high in goals and tied for the team-high in assists.
“She was a player we relied on in big moments,” Padron said.
Davila made an immediate impact as a freshman. She, too, contributed goals and assists.
“Toward the end of the season, she also stepped in on defense, which says a lot about her willingness to do what the team needed,” Coach Padron said. “Sifuentes was important to us all season. She played multiple positions and handled each role appropriately. That is not easy to do.”
Coach Padron said his seniors, Herrera and Soto, provided leadership and stability. “They helped guide the group and set the tone day to day; overall, they helped us move in the right direction,” he said. “The focus now is to keep building. We accomplished our goal this year by making the playoffs, and that becomes the standard. Next season, we will set our goal higher and work hard, as we did this season, to achieve it.”
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