Bearcats, Ladycats finally return to field

It took a bit longer than expected, but the Aledo Bearcats and Ladycats finally began defense of their District 5-5A soccer championships with victories on Saturday, Jan. 31. The games were originally to be played on Tuesday, Jan, 27, but the snow and ice that bombarded the area forced both games back to Saturday.

The last time the Aledo teams saw action previously was on Jan. 22. 

Bearcats

Aledo (8-3) continued its hot defensive streak, posting a fifth consecutive shutout with a 3-0 victory at Brewer. The last time the Bearcats surrendered a goal was in a 2-1 victory against Arlington Martin on Jan. 15 in the Crowley Tournament, which Aledo won.

In all, the Bearcats (8-3) have outscored their opponents 31-12 this season.

“I was worried with a week and a half off between games because we were so hot coming into district with four shutouts in a row,” Bearcats coach Derek Vierling said. Luckily, we were able to practice Friday and shake the rust off a little. We picked up right where we left off.”

Erik Soltow got the scoring started for the Bearcats just a couple minutes into the game, with an assist from Harrison Kear. Midway through the first half, Trapper Davis added a second goal off of a feed from Kyle Storck. Robby Sloan finished the scoring with an unassisted goal.

Sharing goalkeeping duties were Drew Vozeh in the first half and Mark Gartman in the second. Grant Gartman, Hunter Waugh, and Trent Newton also stood out on defense.

“It was good to play again even though it was pretty cold,” Vierling said. “The boys responded well. I was proud of them.”

Aledo was hosting Chisholm Trail at press time and will play at Keller Fossil Ridge on Feb. 6. The Bearcats host Saginaw on Feb. 10 and visit Granbury on Feb. 13, all games kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

Ladycats

In a game that featured much diverse play, the Ladycats (4-6) won 5-1 at home over Brewer. 

Baylee Verde led the Aledo scoring with two goals, while Kylee Vandiver, Hazel Jane Wood and Ally Weimer each added a goal. Weimer also had an assist, as did Alexa Plantz and Kelsey Kimberling.

The five goals are the second most the Ladycats have scored in a game this season, eclipsed only by their 6-0 victory against Fort Worth South Hills on Jan. 8.

“After a four day delay and very cold conditions, I was proud of how focused and ready our team was to step back on the field and get the district win,” Ladycats coach Taylor May said. “Getting the win to start district is important, but even more important is how we played and set the tone moving forward.”

The Ladycats were playing at Chisholm Trail at press time host Keller Fossil Ridge on Feb. 6 at 7:15 p.m. They travel to Saginaw on Feb. 10 for a 7:15 p.m. start and host Granbury at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13.