Dawson girls register first soccer playoff win

March 30, 2011

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Dawson girls soccer team: First row (seated l-r): Michelle Mendoza, Jordan Daly, Kelley Dougherty; Second row (kneeling): Kirsten Ramby, Vanessa Alejandro, Amber Plite, Courtney Mounts; Third row (standing) : Selena Villarreal, Vanessa Chesnut, Aisha Garcia, Brittany Alonzo, Sidney Leidy, Coach Jamie Hutchison, Jennifer Edwards, Asst. Coach Lindsey Abel, Itzel Maldanado, Brianna Parker, Lindsey Feeback, Averie Beltran, and Rebecca Jardon.

PEARLAND — Sometimes a loss makes a team better in the long run. Such would be the case with the Dawson Lady Eagles soccer team after they crushed Houston Waltrip 9-0 in the first round of the Class 4A Region III playoffs.

"Being within 10 minutes of a playoff spot last year and losing really left a bad taste in our mouths," Dawson head coach Jamie Hutchison said. "We have worked hard since August with the goal to get in the playoffs and make something happen."

Make something happen they did as they now have an overall 13-8-4 record. Dawson's last loss came on March 4 against district champion Friendswood. Since that time, they have put together a solid six game winning streak and hope to continue in the playoffs with a win over Goose Creek Memorial on Tuesday, March 29 (late).

"The first playoff win was great for us," Hutchison said. "We have had great fan support and the girls really enjoyed the playoff atmosphere."

Becca Jardon and Vanessa Alejandro have provided strong leadership for Dawson this season. Sidney Leidy has turned into a great player for the Lady Eagles and Averie Beltran has been very solid at goal.

"We all seem to rally behind Becca and Vanessa," Hutchison pointed out. "When they are on, we are on as a team."

"Family" has been the theme for this year's team and the Lady Eagles have enjoyed playing for each other as a team.

"We've been solid defensively all year," Hutchison said. "We pride ourselves on not allowing too many chances for our opponents. We start and end with defense, and we probably wear the kids out working day in and day out until it's perfect."

That philosophy worked against Waltrip in the 9-0 thrashing by the Lady Eagles.

Dawson led 3-0 at halftime and then blew out the Lady Rams 6-0 in the second half to post a first-ever playoff win for the young Lady Eagles soccer program.

Becca Jardon scored three times, Vanessa Alejandro added two goals, and Kirsten Ramby, Brittany Alonzo, and Lindsey Feeback added to the dominating win. The Lady Eagles also benefited from an own goal to make the 9-0 total.

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