The Harris County Tigers have advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the second straight year. The Tigers, currently ranked seventh in 4A, have had a strong season, going 14–3 in the regular season.
Harris County faced a tough first-round matchup with Jackson-Atlanta. The game remained scoreless through the first half, but the Tigers broke through in the second, scoring two unanswered goals to win 2–0. Interestingly, neither goal came from the team’s leading scorer, sophomore Baylee Hetzel, who has 21 goals on the season. One goal came from junior Katelyn Riley, the team’s second-leading scorer with 13 goals, while the second was scored by an unlikely source, senior Kennedi Miller.
Miller has had a strong senior campaign, but as a defender, scoring isn’t her primary role. Her goal was just her sixth of the season, but it couldn’t have come at a better time. She’s makes her biggest impact in the defensive zone, where she has been dominant all season, recording 150 steals, 15 of which came in the first-round playoff match. Her presence on defense has helped Harris County earn nine shutouts this season, and they’ve allowed more than one goal only twice.
The Tigers’ second-round matchup will be their toughest test yet, as they face top-ranked Blessed Trinity. The Titans boast one of the best defenses in 4A, having allowed only six goals all season and recording 12 shutouts. They’re currently riding a six-game shutout streak, which includes dominant wins over elite teams like GAC.
While Harris County’s defense should be able to hold its own, the key to advancing will be their offense. Players like Katelyn Riley and Baylee Hetzel will need to step up if the Tigers hope to take down the Titans.
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