Lady Bulldogs cruise by Hudson 7-3
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER MIDFIELDER Brooke Wagnon and forward Valerie Dufner team up to get the ball downfield against Hudson.

The Jasper Lady Bulldog soccer team picked up their final win last week as the season ended. They defeated Hudson 7-3, to finish fifth in district standings.

Early in the first half, Jasper took the lead from a tap by Brooke Wagnon on a crossing ball from Caroline Kipp. Scores came often from that point on.

Six team members contributed points in the 7-3 win. Natalie Dufner scored two; Kipp, Morgan Marx, Wagnon, Valerie Dufner, and Rachel Vickers contributed one each.

"Both of our seniors (Vickers and Valerie Dufner) scored in the final game," Coach Ron Vickers said. "It was a great way to finish their high school career. Both are four-year starters who have been recognized in the past as either Honorable Mention, first or second team All-District."

Vickers was able to substitute liberally in the second half to give younger players time in positions they may occupy next season. That allowed Hudson to pick up three goals, but the game was never in contention.

Jasper played Nacogdoches Tuesday during Spring break to a 4-0 loss.

Vickers said his team played good defense but Nacogdoches had superior passing ability as well as the ability to shoot from outside the box.

Midfielder Jessica Alvis, who has been sidelined for weeks with an injury, was able to play most of the game, but at the forward position in order to protect her ankle.

At halftime, Nacogdoches led 2-0 even though Jasper made several pushes into their opponent's end of the field.

Wing Caroline Kipp made several shots, but those were well played by the Lady Dragons' goalie.

The Lady Bulldogs kept up their defensive effort during the second half and were able to hold Nacogdoches to only two more goals before the game was called because of lightning.

Jasper's district record was 5-8-1. Henderson took the district championship, followed by Nacogdoches and Palestine, second, and Jacksonville, fourth.

Highlights of the Lady Bulldogs' season include a second place finish at the Palestine 3A Shootout and first place at the Beaumont Central tournament that included 3A, 4A and 5A schools.

"We set a goal to make the playoffs but fell short in this new district," Vickers said. "We were at least able to finish in the middle of the pack with the hope of improving on this in the year to come. We look forward to an improving team with the arrival of several players next year that have at least Division 2 South Texas Youth Soccer Association experience."