By Andy Tabor
The Coppell Cowgirls dream of becoming state champions two years running was shattered this season when they lost to McKinney Boyd 3-2 in the third round of playoffs. The Cowgirls still had a very successful and exciting season, and the loss should propel returning players to work even harder than before.
The Cowgirls entered pre-season play ranked number one in the nation, marking the first time the program had ever received this distinction in its history. The team was levelheaded going into the season, and was ready to perform up to their ranking. With the cocky attitude the 2008 Coppell Cowgirls No.1 state team began their season they lost multiple early season games and never won the state championship many had predicted.
“We had some pressure because we won state last season and were ranked number one preseason,” senior captain forward Alyssa Diggs said. “In the preseason we struggled some because of injuries to different players.”
Diggs herself was injured and had to miss several morning practices. Early on, the team lost early games due to this injury among others. Team chemistry was one area that the team struggled in early on.
“The preseason was rough because of team chemistry,” senior defender Spayne Avant said. “We just were not used to playing with new players that weren’t a part of varsity last season.
Coppell then entered district play with a chip on its shoulder because of early season losses. The team right away showed District 6-5A who the top team was, outscoring opponents 12-5 in the first round of district and winning each game to earn a 5-0 district record.
“After the losses in the preseason we wanted to improve our game,” senior defender Christina Baker said. “We wanted to come out strong and pull off an undefeated run in district. That was our goal.”
Many new players stepped up and showed their skill this season, especially senior Amina Radoncic. Radoncic was mainly a reserve player for the Cowgirls last season. When she was given more opportunity this season, however, she shined.
“Amina really stepped up this season for us and provided fire and energy whenever she was on the field,” Diggs said. “Honestly, most of the goals I scored this year came off of her assists.”
In the second round of district the Cowgirls were still on fire, but tied Flower Mound in their last district game of the season. As district champs, and with the season behind them, the playoffs were ahead.
The team started strong, winning both of its first two playoff matches against Keller Central (4-1) and Allen (4-2). In the Allen game the team went up 4-0, but a few mental errors cost the Cowgirls a pair of late goals. They were lucky to escape by a two-goal margin.
After the game, the team captains had a meeting about the slight collapse and felt good moving forward with a clean slate.
“We just had the whole team together and we talked about how serious the playoffs were,” Avant said. “I felt that we had a good talk and were ready for our next game.”
Unfortunately for the girls, in the next round before regionals they had to face undefeated McKinney Boyd. They were unable to advance, losing 3-2 in a closely fought game. The team still felt some pressure during the game which could’ve contributed to the loss.
“During the game we felt more pressure to not lose then just go out and win,” junior mid-fielder Chioma Obogagu said. “McKinney just came out with way more heart.”
“We came in with a chip on our shoulder because of how they beat us in the preseason,” Diggs said. “They really set the tone in the first 20 minutes and although we came out hard they were just the better team that game.”
The early end to Coppell’s season has been disappointing for the team and the fans who actively followed its playoff run. Next season, returning Cowgirls like junior captain Danielle Herubin and sophomore Lindsey Meyer will be key, while Obogagu will need to carry the load for the team. For Obogagu, next season will be her chance to wash the sour taste of defeat out of her mouth.
“We have a good chance at winning state even though we lose our seniors,” Obogagu said. “I am going to remember the feeling after the Boyd game and have that fuel me for next season.”
