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Welcome back everyone for the Lady Jags 2011 spring season. We as a program are looking forward to the most successful season for the Lady Jags in school history. The goals are plain and simple:
PRACTICE – As far as practice goes, players are expected to be out there by 3:45 putting their boots and guards on to be ready to go. At 3:50, captains will take their players to warm-up and accomplish their dynamic stretching routine. At 4:00, coaches take their respective teams and begin training. The training will most likely go to 5:45. This is the routine and expectation every weekday. Coaches also have the ability to call for practices on Saturdays in which their players are expected to be at just as a school day practice. In case of weather or coach's decision, practices may be called off due to severe weather or if the team needs a well deserved rest. The phone tree will most likely be activated by the players and mass emails will be sent out by the athletic director.
GAME DAYS – Players will most likely be released early from school during 8th period for home games (Joseph Dorris Field) and maybe even earlier for away games. Any away games inside city limits, players are responsible for their own transportation. Also, parents, please be responsible for picking up players after long road trips out of town when we happen to get back late at night.
| Day | Opponent | Location | JV | Varsity | Score |
| Thu Mar 8th | ValleyH | Joseph Dorris Field | 5:30 | 3:30 | |
| Sat Mar 10th | Arrupe JesuitA | Arrupe Jesuit HS | 1:00 | 11:00 | |
| Tue Mar 13th | Manitou SpringsH | Joseph Dorris Field | 6:00 | 4:00 | |
| Thu Mar 15th | ECAA | El Pomar | 5:15 | 3:30 | |
| Thu Mar 22nd | CSCSA | 4 Diamonds Field | 5:45 | 4:00 | |
| Tue Apr 3rd | Buena VistaA | Buena Vista | 4:00 | 6:00 | |
| Thu Apr 5th | Vanguard*H | Joseph Dorris Field | 4:00 | ||
| Tue Apr 10th | FlorenceH | Joseph Dorris Field | 6:00 | 4:00 | |
| Sat Apr 14th | Lamar*H | Joseph Dorris Field | 11:00 | ||
| Sat Apr 14th | Dolores HuertaH | Joseph Dorris Field | 1:00 | ||
| Tue Apr 17th | Rye*H | Joseph Dorris Field | 6:00 | 4:00 | |
| Thu Apr 19th | Fountain Valley*A | Fountain Valley | 6:00 | 4:00 | |
| Sat Apr 21st | St. Mary's*H | Joseph Dorris Field | 12:00 | 10:00 | |
| Thu Apr 26th | CSS*A | CSS | 6:00 | 4:00 | |
| Tue May 1st | Trinidad*H | Joseph Dorris Field | 6:00 | 4:00 | |
| Thu May 3rd | SalidaA | Salida HS | 6:00 | 4:00 | |
| Wed May 9th | 1st Round State Playoffs | * - Region 1 Opponent | |||
| Sat May 12th | 2nd Round State Playoffs | ||||
| Thu May 17th | Quarterfinals of State Playoffs | ||||
| Sat May 19th | Semifinals of State Playoffs | ||||
| Tue May 22nd | State Finals |
H-Home | A-Away
In 40 minutes of scrimmage play, the Lady Jags fell to the Danes in some poor, snowy weather conditions. The Danes were able to capitalize early of a corner that the Jags couldn't clear out. Actually, after 20 minutes total, the ladies found themselves finally pressing. Icenia was able to drive into the Danes defensive third and plunked a shot off the crossbar with Karissa Gulledge trying to follow up twice. The only problem was both follow up shots were at the agile Dane goalkeeper.
The girls got back to possession style of play today and put on an attacking clinic a bit for the Scorpion JV side. It took a while for the Jags to find the net, but Ashley Wetzel was able to scrap one in the mix in the middle of the 18 for the Jags. Bekah Neill would have a ripper from the 18 and the true freshman, Tianna Mayo, would also scrap one in the 6 yard box. The defense looked fairly solid with Emily Tharalson taking over her new role as stopper, but overall, the group needs to work out some kinks before tomorrow. Karissa Gulledge and Kayln Brenner had some mentionable performances as well. Interesting note: Both Aleya Varnum and Olivia Farrington played the whole time in the pipes for both the Jags and Scorpions. They didn't have a keeper yet, so the ladies loaned them theirs and traded off every 20 minutes. They had some highlight reel saves today as well. Well done ladies.
If you are into physical soccer, then yesterday was your game. The Lady Jags overcame several obstacles that were out of their control to overcome and tally their first win of the season. After ten minutes, it was obvious that the Jags were the better squad with not only being more fit, but also playing possession ball very well. Icenia Anderson put the first goal on the board for the year when she was able to dice up the Valley defense and slot one home in the first half. Valley was able to scrap one in the first half before halftime. No matter though! Bekah Neill made good on a set piece from outside the box by "bending it like Beckham" and finding the upper 90 for the win.
Your JV girls' soccer team started off the 2011 season off on the right foot by beating Valley 2 - 0 last night. The girls started the game a little sluggish and Valley took it to them right off the bat, but a well trained first year keeper would shut them down. After the first 5 minutes of the game, the girls were able to settle down and play the style of soccer the coaches taught them. Approximately 13 minutes into the game, Michelle Townsend was able to record her first goal of the season and put the Jags up 1 - 0. The girls would not stop there. Aggressive play from Rachel Mader inside the 18 would draw a foul inside the 18 yard box granting the Jags a penalty kick. Captain Joanna Varnum solidified the win with a well placed shot putting the Jags up 2 - 0 with approx 12 minutes left in the game. Ladies, congratulations on your first win of the season and helping your first year keeper achieve her first shutout of the season. Players of recognition are Caitlyn Martinez and Hannah Elmore.
The Lady Jags took a bit to get going, but eventually found their groove as a squad. The ladies would put up four in the first half with Icenia Anderson opening up the scoring for the day. Annalise Kester would put up a pair and Grace Farrington would put a blast by the opposing keeper before half. After the break, Ashley Wetzel, Tianna Mayo, and Amanda Fisher would all get their names in the paper by slotting their own goals home. The player of the day would have to be senior Bekah Neill with her own PK goal and a trio of assists.
After coming off of a convincing win Thursday night at Valley, the Jags took the field against Arrupe Jesuit Saturday afternoon. For the second straight game, the ladies came out very sluggish and found themselves on their heels trying to thwart any pressure that Generals threw at them. With approximately 2 minutes left in the half, Michelle Townsend found herself finishing a loose ball in front of the goal to score her second goal of the year. The second half started out much better as the ladies were able to pressure Arrupe Jesuit continuously and, in turn, created numerous opportunities to win the game. It wasn't until the 80th minute that Captain Joanna Varnum, from a well placed punt from her sister, Aleya Varnum, would score her second goal of the season and secure their second straight victory. Congratulations Lady's on overcoming issues in the first half and finding a way to win the game. Players of recognition are Michelle Townsend and Joanna Varnum for their goals and Jessica LeBlanc for her determination and tenacity the entire game.
The Lady Jags resorted to backpedalling in the first 10 to 15 minutes of the match last night against the Mustangs. This would cost them dearly as they went down 0-4 in the first half. However, after getting their legs under them and some hunger for the game, the Jags played some hard-nosed defense for the rest of the game with the score ending up 0-6. Players of note would have to Icenia and Bekah Neill in the mid-field with their unrelenting play. On the defense side of things. Ashley Corpuz, Emily Tharaldson, and keeper Aleya Varnum turned in some notable efforts.
The JV girls took the field last night at Manitou hoping to win. Unfortunately, from the opening whistle, the lady's were caught on their heels. Within the first 30 minutes, they found themselves down 4 to nothing against a fast and aggressive Manitou team. The lady Jags came out in the second half with more aggression and did not allow the Mustangs push them around anymore. Regrettably, the girls fell short of their third straight win losing to the Mustangs 0-7. Players of recognition were Miranda Miller and Rachel Mader for their tenacious play the entire game.
Wow! What a barnburner! Always a great match up between the Lady Jags and ECA. Heidi Mann opened up the scoring by being able to slot one past the James Iwrin keeper from a set piece. The Jags into the wind, found a way to storm back. Icenia Anderson led the charge with an assist from Karissa Gulledge to slot home. Grace Farrington would then drive and play one off the post for the ball to be directed in front of goal for Ashley Wetzel to clean up. Into the second half, Bekah Neill would find her friend Icenia who fought off FOUR defenders to slot one home with her left foot this time. Don't count ECA out though. This time the younger Mann had a beautiful left footed blast from downtown (into the wind!) to find space between the Irwin keeper and the crossbar. If you weren't at this game, you missed a real treat and a great show on turf.
After falling short to Manitou Springs Tuesday the JV girls took the field last night against ECA hoping to rebound to their winning ways. From the opening whistle the jags pressed and controlled the tempo of the game and created numerous scoring opportunities in the first 10 minutes of the game. At approx 10 minutes into the game Joanna Varnum scored her 3 goal of the season and placed the jags up 1 – 0. The jags continued the pressure and at the 38th minute, Tianna Mayo found herself one on one with the keeper and scoring her first goal with the JV squad. The girls looked as if they would be able to secure their 3rd win of the season but the Eagles had other plans. Unfortunately the Eagles scored two goals in the second half. After two 5 minute periods of overtime the Jags were able to hold off the Eagles and secure a tie. Lady’s, Coach Douglas is very proud of the way all of you played. Players of recognition are Darianne Escalona and Miranda Miller for their exceptional play in the back field.
The varsity Lady Jags started on their heels, especially with the wind factor, but it wouldn't stay that way. Despite going down 2 goals before answering finally with a blast from Icenia Anderson, it was a case of too little too late for the Lady Jags as CSCS would end up on top 2-1 when the final whistle blew. For the Jags, a player of note would have to be the "Little Beast", Kyla Kearns, for her never-say-die play in the right back position. The Buckingham sisters would also put in a solid effort between the both of them.
Yesterday the lady Jags took the field against cross town rival CSCS hoping to get back on the winning track. The girls found themselves on their heels right off the bat. It took the Lions only 2 minutes to score the first goal of the game. The lady Jags defense had to continue shutting down numerous opportunities from the Lions throughout the first half trying to keep them only up by one. Finally at the 40 minute in the first half Amanda Green finished a loose ball in the 18 yard box allowing the Jags to tie the game at one. The second half started out much better, it was the Jags putting the lions on their heels creating numerous opportunities to take the lead. Stead-fast play from Darianne Escalona, Hannah Elmore and Miranda Miller made it nearly impossible for the Lions forwards to penetrate. But in the end the CSCS Lions would come out on top winning 2-1. Players of recognition are Amanda Green for her first goal of the season and Rachel Mader for her outstanding play and hustle in the front.
The Lady Jags were on their game for sure today in all aspects of the field. The defense especially played with the utmost poise and composure. Led by senior Ashley Corpuz, they played perfect containment and even swung the ball for switching the attack all morning. Putting the Jags up first was Karissa Gulledge when she was able to poke one away from the keeper early in the first half. Annalise Kester and Bekah Neill would also find the back of the net in the second half to secure the win over the undefeated Lady Demons.
The varsity Lady Jags squared off against the two-time defending state champs St. Marys this past Saturday. With most of their starting back line on injured reserve for this game, the ladies still battled the formidable Pirates till the last whistle. The biggest problem seemed to be a general sense of being timid which resulted in a lack of creating opportunities to go on the attack. The bright shining moment came in the second half when senior Bekah Neill found a streaking Icenia Anderson bolting down the left side. Icenia collected the ball in the far corner, out maneuvered about three Pirate defenders and had probably one of the top three goals Coach Ridenour has ever seen with a blast that found the far upper 90 and side netting. No chance for the keeper whatsoever. This was the first goal St. Mary’s has given up in 7 games this season.
Saturday your JV Lady Jags took the field against cross town rival St. Mary’s. From the opening whistle, the normal windy Colorado weather hampered the Jags offensive push in the first half. The Pirates were able to use the windy conditions to their favor and were able to score 2 goals prior to the end of the half. After an intense discussion during half time, the Jag’s started the second half pressuring the Pirates and placing them on their heels. The Jags created a couple of opportunities to score but were unable to connect. Approximately 10 minutes into the second half, Rachael Mader was able to pressure the defense enough to create a miss communication in the back and score her 1st goal of the season. The Jags were not done there! 10 minutes later, Amada Greene found herself one on one with Pirates keeper and was able to slot a well-placed shot past an unsuspecting keeper. In the end, St Mary’s was able to score one more to beat the Jags 3-2. Ladies, great job in the second half way to come out fighting! Players of recognition are Rachael Mader, Amanda Greene and Macrina Karbo.
The Lady Jags started the game with a bit of ferocity which resulted in an immediate press on the Florence defense where Bekah Neill was able to power a cracker of a shot through the keeper's hands. With some slack defense in the back, however, the Huskies were able to counter and pop two in before the Jags knew what hit them. Then, another press early on allowed Ashley Wetzel to clean one up in the 18 yard box to equalize the game at two goals a piece, but the Jags paid dearly and before the end of the half had given up three more unanswered goals. After some major formation changes at halftime, the Jags were able to contain the Husky attack and even press themselves, but the problem was no capitalization by either squad with the game ending in a 2-5 loss for the Jags. Players of note for the second half especially would be goalie Olivia Farrington and freshman Tianna Mayo.
Last night the JV lady's took the field against Florence hoping to get back to their winning ways. The lady's played their best game of the season by far, controlling the pace of the game and creating many opportunities on goal. Last night the Jags were the better team even though the end result was not what the lady's expected. One exceptional highlight from last night's game was when first year keeper, Caitlyn Martinez, had to make an incredible penalty kick save to keep the game 0 - 0, Great job Caitlyn. Jags, Coach Douglas is very proud of you all, you gave me and your fellow teammates a 100% the entire game and that is all I ask for. Players of recognition are Hannah Elmore and Jessica LeBlanc for their tenacity and hard work.
The Lady Jags got back to their winning ways on a very blustery day here on the Front Range. While other teams postponed games, James Irwin and Salida stuck it out and squared off against each other. The second half was the one with all the scoring. A corner kick from Bekah Neill that the Emily Daugherty couldn't hold onto was cleaned up by freshman Tianna Mayo to put the Jags on the board. Only three minutes later would Karissa Gulledge find Icenia who would find the back of the net with her left foot to bury it. The Jags defense played solid all day until the last fifteen minutes or so when Mckinnley Witty would turn at the top of the 18 and place in the corner of the net to make it interesting at the end. The Jags would hold onto win and get their winning record back.
If you were able to brave the weather conditions last night and watch your JV soccer team take the field against Salida you were treated to a well-played game. Since the second half of the St Mary's game Saturday, the lady Jags have been really starting to jell and become the talented team Coach Douglas believe they were. Last night's game was no exception. From the opening whistle, the Jags dominated, stringing numerous passes together and creating a copious amount of chances on goal. Tianna Mayo had a stellar night scoring her first "hat trick" (3 goals) in a game. Her success would not have been prevalent if it weren't for her outstanding supporting cast. Amazing play from Melanie Moffett on the right side and aggressive play from Jamie Lujan up top made for a very long day for the Salida defense. Great job ladies, thank you for playing your style of soccer. Players of recognition are Melanie Moffitt and Jamie Lujan and the entire Jag's defense.
No matter how the day started Saturday, your varsity Lady Jags were poised to win their first league game against Lamar. At first, the ladies were unable to control the tempo of the game due to the field conditions. Varsity captains Rebekah Neill and Ellie Mateo-Swanson's leadership was essential as they settled the team and encouraged them to play their style of soccer. With approximately 10 minutes left in the first half, Rebekah Neill blasted a shot past an unsuspecting Lamar keeper. The second half exceeded the first half. Already up 1-0 the Jags looked to spoil the Savages prom day. The Lady Jags exploited the fact that the Savages were on their heels. A few minutes into the half, Tianna Mayo found herself one on one with the keeper and was able to slot a beautiful ball to the side net - putting the Jags up 2-0. When tested in the second half, keeper Aleya Varnum was up to the task. She shut down 3 one on one breakaways securing here third shutout of the season. Great job, Aleya! Ladies, your outstanding play did not go unnoticed. Coach Ridenour and I are extremely proud of you. Players of recognition are Rebekah Neill, Tianna Mayo, Aleya Varnum and outside mid Karrisa Gulledge.
Spending the day in Lamar Saturday was not high on the to-do list but what was a priority was leaving there with another win. From the opening whistle, your JV Lady Jags took it to the Savages, controlling the tempo of the entire game. Outstanding play from our center mid-field and constant pressure from our forwards made life very difficult for Lamar. Three minutes into the game, Michelle Townsend was able to slot a shot pass the Lamar keeper putting the Jags up 1-0. The score would stay that way until the 38th minute when Amanda Greene received a beautiful pass from Jamie Lujan and then showed off her foot skills dribbling through 3 defenders and scoring her 3rd goal of the season.
What a barnburner last night down in Rye. The Lady Jags went on the attack immediately. There were a plethora of goals so here we go. Icenia Anderson, Tianna Mayo, Ellie Mateo-Swanson, Annalise Kester, and Karissa Gulledge all had goals. Bekah Neill also put up a pair and had an assist last night. They really put on a show of possession and skill throughout the whole game. Drop passes for shots and slotted balls was how most of the offense struck all night. The Ashley Corpuz led defense looked solid most of the night as well.
It seemed as if last night's game was going to be a long one as the ladies started off on their heels and Rye was able to put one on the Jags within the first 6 minutes of the game. Not to worry, though, the Lady Jags were able to right the ship and play the style of soccer they are known for. At the 15th minute, varsity player Annalise Kester found herself one on one with the Thunderbolts keeper and finishing a shot to the side netting. The Jags were able to settle down and control the tempo of the game. For the rest of the game, the Jags created numerous scoring opportunities especially a blast by Hannah Elmore that just missed the upper corner. With approximately 10 minutes left in the game, Rachael Mader was finally able to finish a shot and put the Jags up 2-1. That is how the game would end, securing another win for the girls. Players of recognition are Rachael Mader, Annalise Kester and Jamie Lujan.
Well, it wasn't pretty by any means, but still the varsiy Lady Jags found a way to scrap a win and book their first ticket to the playoffs in several years. The first half between the Danes and Jags was back and forth. Both teams had a couple of chances but came up empty. The Jags almost scrapped one off a corner kick with a header to the crossbar, but no dice. The second half started the same way, but Coach Ridenour put the track star Icenia up top. A set piece from Neill to Gulledge to Icenia to poke home put the Lady Jags up. Ten minutes later, a cross from the right side from Icenia would be followed up by Ashley Wetzel who applied pressure to the Danes' keeper to poke another home that would secure for the Jags. Aleya Varnum would record her second shutout as well as the Jags move to 8-4 overall and 3-1 in league. Their next game is Thursday here at home against CSS.
After losing to Fountain Valley during a scrimmage at the beginning of the season, the Jags looked poised and determined to walk away with a win, and win they did. From the opening whistle, the JV Jags put the Danes on their heels creating numerous scoring opportunities. Outstanding play from the Jags mid line and a stout defensive stance made it nearly impossible for the Danes to penetrate. Four minutes into the game, Julia Buckingham blasted a shot past an unsuspecting Dane keeper to put the Jags up 1-0. The ladies would not stop there! With 8 minutes left in the half, Michelle Townsend slotted a well place shot past a diving goal keeper. In the 2nd half, the ladies picked up right where they left off at half time. Brilliant possession play and numerous shots on goal made for a really long afternoon for the Danes. With approximately 20 minutes left in the game, Amanda Greene secured the ladiss 4th straight victory with a beautiful one on one goal. Great job ladies!! You are now 1 win shy of your season goal. Please come out Saturday Apr 30 at 4:00 and root your JV team to a victory against Lamar.
The Jags were caught off their guard today with a very formidable side from CSS. The Jags would strike first with the usual coast to coast run from Icenia Anderson who would slot one near post and put her ladies up first. Sara Khan matched that with a slotted ball that beat the James Irwin keeper far post. Tianna Mayo was then able to muscle a ripper through the mits of the CSS keeper to go up 2-1. With slack defense near the end the game, the Jags would give up another to the speedy Sara Khan to equalize before regulation. Overtime would end with the game still at 2-2 and give the Jags their first draw of the season.
Well, Saturday afternoon, the varsity Lady Jags started off a bit sluggish. It might have something to do with prom being the night before. However, an unlikely first goal from stopper Becca Buckingham put the Jags level after the Savages had found a way to scrap one first. The goals would start to fall from all positions on the Jags side. Joanna Varnum, Karissa Gulledge, Annalise Kester, and Icenia Anderson would all get their name in the paper for finding the back of the net. A player of note would have to be Ellie Mateo-Swanson for leading her team to a 9th win with style and flare of play.
Saturday afternoon the JV Lady Jags took the field against Lamar for the second time this season. They were looking for a second win against their league foes and sought to secure a 5th straight win, which would guarantee them a winning season. Like games past, the Jags controlled the tempo of the game which put Lamar on their heels right off the bat. Outstanding play from the Jags defensive line and aggressive play from the midfield ensured the Jags 1 - 0 win. Players of recognition are Macrina Karbo and first year keeper Caitlyn Martinez for her ability to accomplish her pre-season goal by securing 5 shutouts.
Yes, playoffs, finally! Coach Ridenour has never seen a more tense game. Not the best game, but a tense game. Both teams needed the result to go to playoffs. The Lady Jags just needed a tie to advance and they did just that. After giving up a goal in the first two minutes, the Jags battled back. Bekah Neill would be the hero and pop one in over the keeper's head from 30 yards out to not only bring her team level, but also send them to playoffs for the second time ever in school history. The first round of playoffs for the Jags will be held on Wednesday, May 11th next week. I will send more details as I know them.
The JV soccer team played their final game last night against Trinidad. Even though the girls did not leave the field the way they expected, the ladies finished the 2011 season with a winning season. The season was full of great moments; having two girls finish with 4 goals a piece and one keeper accomplished her pre-season goal by logging 5 shutouts. At the beginning of the season, Coach Douglas thought that with the loss of Rachael Elmore due to injury, it would hamper the Jags defense to mold as a squad. Well, needless to say, that did not happen. Tenacious play and hard work from Macrina Karbo, Hannah Elmore, Miranda Miller and Darianne Escalona help secure the winning season. Ladies, Coach Douglas is extremely proud of each one of you and the obstacles you overcame. Thank you for giving Coach Ridenour, Coach Armstrong and myself your absolute best. Ladies, I will miss you a ton, but I look forward to next season. Players of recognition would have to be THE ENTIRE SQUAD, THANK YOU!!!!
