Following a big win over Northwest Christian and a tough loss against Campo Verde, the Lady Falcons soccer squad’s 2012-13 season came to a close in the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs last week.

NW Christian

Following the conclusion of a 12-7-1 regular season, the Lady Falcons headed into the state tournament in a first round match-up versus Northwest Christian on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 29.

According to head coach Alison Mabery, the local ladies actually got off to a slow start this outing with play remaining scoreless through most of the first half.

Then, with six minutes left in the half, freshman Leah Carillo took a pass from Emmie Lawrence and then floated it into the top right corner of the net, giving the Falcons a 1-0 lead.

“The girls continued to keep the pressure coming as Alex Griggs led a fast break attack, passing right at the last moment to Leah Carillo,” Mabery said.

“Leah touched it around the keeper to go up 2-0 at the half. It was a textbook play, absolutely perfectly executed.”

Mabery said this gave her girls a nice momentum heading into the second half. Senior Emma Howard started off the final half of play with an attack in the first 10 minutes. Alex Griggs continued to press offensively all game long, according to Mabery, and her hard work eventually paid off as she scored on a fast break.

“Northwest Christian put one in the back of the net before the game was over, scoring off a penalty kick,” Mabery said.

“Leah Carillo would end her first postseason debut scoring yet another goal, earning a hat trick on the night.”

Kahri Smith recorded nine saves overall as the Falcons moved onto the quarterfinal round of state after this 5-1 victory.

Campo Verde

The Falcons returned to the field Saturday, Feb. 2, to take on Campo Verde, a team they had lost to 2-0 earlier in the season during the Desert Edge tournament.

Mabery said she and the Falcons were ready for a very physical game as both teams vied for a trip to the quarterfinals.

“The day did not start off well as a penalty call was made in the box away from the ball,” Mabery said.

“Campo took advantage of the penalty kick and quickly went up 1-0 10 minutes into the game.”

Mabery said that the early goal seemed to set the tone for the Falcons as they struggled all game long to keep up defensively. Two more goals were scored against the Falcons by halftime, putting Campo Verde up 3-0.

Mabery said that her girls never gave up, however, playing hard until the final horn blew with Campo Verde winning 4-0 and the Falcons’ season coming to a close.

“They were a very strong, fast, big team that was very skilled,” Mabery said.

“We had an off day, but I am proud of the girls for continuing to fight all game long. It isn’t the way we would have liked to end the season, but it was a great season and the team has improved tremendously over the course of the past three months.”

Concluding her first year as head coach, Mabery said she could not have asked for a better season with a “very talented and nice group of girls who show their character and sportsmanship on and off the field.”

“We had a great season,” Mabery said.

“One that I will always remember.”