This was the final week of the season for the West Wranglers Soccer team. On Tuesday, the Wranglers traveled to Colleyville Middle School to face off against a highly aggressive Colt offense. Stepping onto the field, it was a fast paced, high-intensity environment. The Wranglers found themselves tested early in a physical matchup against a competitive Colleyville offense.

The A team adjusted to the Colleyville Colts and their heavy pressure in the second half, using quick touch passes along the sideline to break through their back line and set up 2 close shots on goal. Diya Atluri consistently troubled the backline of Colleyville’s team, as did Rithika Bavireddy who kept pressure on Colleyville’s defense. In addition to our excellent pressure on offense, we also did some great work on defense. Goalie Ariella Aguilar had eight beautiful saves. Although they ultimately did not come home with the win, the Wranglers played a phenomenal game and had so much to be proud of. With their visible improvements on display and their confidence surging, the A team will carry this upward momentum straight into the upcoming district tournament.

The B team followed up with the same intensity game along with amazing offensive and defensive plays giving all they had. The goalies Jocelyn Smith and Umaimah Suhail stood tall in the goal and made a combined 15 saves. Sanavi Kulkarni weaved through Colleyville’s defense and had a close shot on goal. Though both of the teams finished the night short of a win, the undeniable progress from practice to game situations proved to be a massive victory in its own right. The girls gave everything they had on the field, supported one another relentlessly, and exhibited clear growth toward their individual and team goals.

While Tuesday's final results did not tip in West’s favor, Tuesday’s games were full of successes and moments of notable growth that demonstrated our significant progress as a team since our season opener. We could not be more proud of our team and their hard work to get to where they are today. To celebrate their hard work and effort, the team made a pit stop at QT after the game!

On Friday, the team traveled to Cross Timbers to compete in the End of Season tournament against the Cross Timbers Wolves. They came out with incredible energy, excellent hustle, and aggression on offense and defense. Athletes like Venus Nguyen, Fernanda Millaman Gutierrez Pita, and Adriana Reyes really stepped up their aggression this game, and athletes like Alana Smith and Yazhini Prabagaran remained flexible in new positions. The team put everything that we’d worked on throughout the season into practice, and they held a very strong Cross Timbers team to only two goals in the first half. This was a notable improvement from the first time we’d faced the Wolves, and we were incredibly proud of the growth we’ve seen in our team as individuals and as a whole. We made intentional passes and communicated well as a team, and our defense continually refused to let the strong Cross Timbers team through. When they did manage to get through, they were met by a brick wall in the goal: Ariella Aguilar finished the game with 17 saves. Although the Wranglers ultimately fell short in this final game, we could not be more proud of this team and all they’ve accomplished this season.

Although we are so sad to see this season come to a close, we are so proud of our athletes and all of their hard work, dedication, and growth this season. We’re so excited to celebrate them at our team party and Athletic Awards ceremony this week! Congratulations on an amazing season, Wranglers. We are so proud of you.

Original Article by Navya Pandey