Jacksonville falls to defending state champion Celina in Region II semi-final
Apr. 5—TYLER — Defending state champion Celina scored a pair of first half goals to defeat Jacksonville, 2-0, in a University Interscholastic League, Class 4A, Region II semi-final Friday afternoon at Tyler's Christus Trinity Mother Francis Rose Stadium.
With 13 players back from a year ago, the Lady Bobcats (22-1-2) had plenty of experienced talent spread across the pitch, leaving little margin for error for a Fightin' Maiden team that was making its second-consecutive regional semi-final appearance for the first time in school history.
Two-Lady Bobcat sharp shooters hit their target with well placed quality shots in the first 40:00.
Sammy Quiroz lofted a shot from about 35-yards out, right side, that found the top shelf of the goal at the 26:42 mark of the opening period.
Quiroz' goal was the first shot on goal of the match for Celina, as much of the first 20:00 was played on Jacksonville's attacking half.
With 10:51 remaining in the first half, Hannah Holland collected a deflection on the left side of the field and powered a shot past Maiden goal keeper Emily Barerra from 18 yards out, giving the Lady Bobcats a 2-0 lead, which was the score at intermission as well.
Barerra came back in the second half and didn't allow a goal, while coming up with five saves.
A smothering Celina defense limited the Maidens to just three shots in the second half.
The Maidens came within inches of getting on the scoreboard when senior Victoria Villanueva drilled a mid-range shot from the left side that ricocheted off the cross bar. The shot came with with just under 25:00 left in regulation.
Celina keeper Kaitlyn Gustafson, a senior, earned the clean sheet win by making two saves.
Jacksonville closes the book on the 2024 season with a 22-4-1 record.
