Frenship Girls Soccer

Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams played in the Germ Blast Lubbock Invitational, gaining some much needed experience and practice for their upcoming first 2-6A District match of the season. 

In their first game of the tournament, the Varsity team squared up against Monterey. After a rough first half leaving the score 0-0, the Tigers had to rely on a halftime pep talk to get their heads in the game.

After the break, the Tigers returned to the pitch with a new found groove, with Frenship Freshman Zeta McDannels scoring the first goal of the game off a Monterey error. With only three minutes left in the game, Frenship Junior Gabby Torres sealed the deal with a second score for the Tigers. 

After winning their first match 2 nil, the Tigers went on to face Midland High, a team they will take on in later in District play. They had a promising showing of talent, again winning the match 2 nil. Later that evening, the Tigers took on Canyon with a dominating performance, setting them up for the Championship match, defeating the Eagles 7 nil. 

On Saturday the Tigers were ready to face the Richland Royals in the Championship match. Only twelve minutes into the match, Richland scored the first goal, the only point Frenship allowed all tournament long. The Tigers knew the Royals team would be tough to match, but after the half, Frenship turned up the heat. 

Four minutes into the second half of the game, Frenship Junior McKenna Prichard drove one home to bring the score 1-1, and just seven minutes later had the game-winning assist to Zeta McDannels. The Tigers took home the tournament crown, beating Richland 2-1.

"Our girls did well last weekend," Frenship Head Girls Soccer Coach Lauren Denning said. "We had both of our teams competing, with our JV girls competing in the Varsity side of the tournament. I was impressed with their ability to learn through tough games and know that they have grown a lot leading in to District play next week."

Denning said she loves watching her athletes succeed, especially this close to District play.

"It’s always good when your kids can get a trophy and see their hard work pay off with some recognition," Denning said. "We’ve got another challenging weekend down in Georgetown coming up so I think we’re in a good place and believe that we can do well this season."

Denning will take the team to Georgetown this weekend to play in the final tournament of their season. 

"It’s a special time and I always want to make sure that we take advantage of the time to get better but also take advantage of the time to just enjoy where we are," Denning said. "They’ve found a good balance so far and we’ll keep working on finding ways to have fun while working hard."

The Tigers start District 2-6A play on Tuesday, January 25 against San Angelo Central in San Angelo.

Frenship Boys Soccer

The Frenship Boys Soccer team also competed in the Germ Blast Lubbock Invitational tournament last weekend, starting on Thursday with a match against Lubbock High, breezing past the Westerners 3-1.

On Friday, the Tigers continued their campaign against Richland who they shrugged off 2 nil. Next up for the Tigers was Caprock. After being down 1-0 at the half, the Tigers knew they needed to step up. Under the leadership of Assistant Coach, Scott Davis, the boys did  just that. Only four minutes into the second half, Frenship's Owen Navarrette evened the score 1-1. At the 17-mark, Frenship’s Jon Olivarez drove home the second goal for the Tigers, with Edgar Gonzales finishing off Caprock with Frenship's third goal, ending the match 3-1.

This put the Tigers in the Championship line up against Palo Duro for the title on Saturday. Early on the Tigers dug themselves a hole, letting Palo Duro put up a lead of two. In the second half, looking to turn the tables, Frenship's Peyton Scott secured a score for the Tigers, but it was too little too late when the match ended 2-1 Palo Duro.

"We finished runners up and I think we did okay throughout, but we’ve certainly played better in the games prior to this tournament," Frenship Head Boys Soccer Coach Scott Smith said. "I felt we played through the tournament games fatigued, struggling with bumps and bruises, and didn’t quite perform to our fullest."

Smith explained that despite the cold, windy West Texas weather, his team still found a way to play high intensity Soccer, with a special emphasis on team leader Senior Jon Olivarez.

"I want to brag on Jon," Smith said, "He continues his rich goal scoring form. We’ve played 12 games so far, including the four scrimmages, and he’s scored 16 with 5 assists. But, better than that, in my opinion, he’s the type of player who will play through pain and injuries to ensure he’s on the field to represent himself and be there for the team. He’s wrapping both ankles, digging deep, putting in work – I really admire and appreciate that."

Smith said the recovery time should do the Tigers well before heading back out to the pitch to take on Coronado on Friday.