Bees dominate opener behind six goals, five assists from freshmen

Flash Staff Report
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(January 11, 2017) — Stephenville girls soccer head coach Casey Weil said in a preseason interview he was excited about the future with nine strong freshmen players on his varsity club.

He also said he needed them to prove themselves quickly after graduating 16 seniors from a sweet 16 team last season.

Weil got his wish Tuesday evening when freshmen combined for six goals and five assists in an 8-0 rout of host Decatur to kick off the new year in style.

“I said they needed to be good and they are,” said a beaming Weil the morning after the season-opening win. “There is a lot of talent in that group, and I’m excited to see how they continue to develop.”

They set the bar high in their first game. Or perhaps they were just following their leader.

Senior Savannah Alford was one of four players to score two goals in the shutout win. Alford, typically a defensive stalwart, has already committed to Midwestern State.

Three freshmen – Hayleigh Beam, Ciara Johnston and Gracie Bales – also scored twice each, and Johnston added three assists in the blowout. Beam added two assists, as did senior leader Railee Reed, while Natalie Elizondo assisted on the other goal.

The Bees have a busy weekend ahead with tournament play in Saginaw beginning Thursday.

“We need to get out there and play so that’s what we’re going to do,” said Weil, whose club is comprised of more than one-third freshmen. “We need game experience for our younger girls and for everyone to continue to mesh together.”

Stephenville’s home opener against 5A Granbury is next Tuesday at Lem Brock Field with kickoff about 7:15 p.m. following a junior varsity match.