Port Neches Groves soccer gears up for playoffs
Published on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 12:28 AM
- Port Neches Groves High School student-athletes Emma Bates and Ariana Sandoval will be participating in practice this week. (Chris Moore/The News)
PORT NECHES — The Port Neches Groves girls soccer team is heading into its final game of the regular season.
PNG enters this week with a 19-2 record (10-1 in district play).
The dominant Indians outscored their opponents 86-16, the best in the division. The team's only district loss came at the hands of Goose Creek Monument in February.
“We started very well in districts,” head coach Amy Bates said.
“We dropped things that we probably shouldn't have. Looking back, it's been a blessing in disguise and made them hungrier. It allowed them to refocus. . I'm very excited for the final district game and the playoffs.”
Before losing, Bates said he tried to warn his players that they had a target on their backs.
Goalie Lily Blanton tries to stop shots during a recent practice at Port Neches Groves High School. (Chris Moore/The News)
“They're getting off the bus and shooting at them,” she said. “They have to fight every game. We said that, but it looked like they were getting a little complacent. Goose Creek got the lead and we were in a little bit of a pickle.”
The loss also helped the Indians deal with adversity.
Two weeks later, Crosby scored his first goal of the game. But this time, PNG fought back and defeated the Cougars 5-2.
The Indians hold the No. 1 seed in the division, but will have to wait until Friday's game against Barbers Hill to confirm that. Entering this week, Barbers Hill was in second place in the district with a five-goal lead.
“I think this 24-year group has done a great job,” Bates said. “They accepted this formation and executed it with perfect changes.”
Seniors Ansley Heusen, Emery Riley and Hannah Campbell lead the team.
“They did a great job of stepping up and leading practice and staying focused,” Bates said. “I'm so proud of them. Right below them, our juniors and sophomores are performing, stepping up and leading the seniors. It was amazing.”
Junior Ava Zumo is the district's leading scorer and near the top in assists.
Coach Bates said the team's mindset has improved the most this season.
“They're hungry and relentless,” she says. “They really bought in. Our goal was to be undefeated in district and we didn't get there. We still want to finish as district champions and this group is We want to go further than any other team, which will get us to the district finals.”
The Indians will play their final regular season game against Baytown Sterling on March 19th.
