Lady Highlander Lax holds off Kinkaid, 16-15 at home

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Ashleigh Dixon and The Woodlands Lady Highlanders jumped out to a big lead (15-8) against heavily favored, Kinkaid only to watch it evaporate in the second half as the Lady Falcons gallant effort came up just short, 16-15.

After a two-game hiatus, Dixon was a welcome addition to the Lady Highlander offense in tallying six goals while dishing out an assist. Her stellar game didn't involve just points as she was back on the draw grabbing a whopping eight draw controls and a ground ball.

Netminder, Jesse Cole continues to impress in rejecting 17 Kinkaid shots to help The Woodlands win by the slimmest of margins. Goalies aren't in on the interception statistic. If they were given credit, Cole would have had four as she ball-hawked four would-be passes that were on their way to wide open attackmen. Also of note, with the score 16-15 and a minute remaining in the game, she made a low save to her right she had no business even getting to in the first place. It was a momentum killer for Kinkaid. Then with 4.6 seconds showing on the clock, Cole took the ball out from behind after the whistle and had the presence of mind to roll the ball to the right of the box killing the clock and icing the victory.

EG Traweek played one of her best games to date doing her thing running around the field like a woman possessed gobbling up ground balls, winning draw controls, causing turnovers and just not allowing KInkaid to have a fast break by hustling back on defense time and again. When Traweek finishes a game, you can bet she doesn't leave anything on the field.

In the second half with just over ten minutes remaining and The Woodlands up 15-8, sophomore Rayne Dobson took a hit and had to leave the game to get checked out by the trainer. She was sorely missed as Kinkaid took advantage and almost came all the way back. Dobson was allowed to continue playing just in the nick of time as she caused a Kinkaid turnover to re-announce her presence in the game.

Mia Kouletsis had another big game scoring four goals as well as directing traffic on the offensive side of the field. G Hermann had two goals and a caused turnover as she continues to up her game. Co-Captain Devon Suess came up big with a goal and three draw controls. Although the stats don't show it, Ali Petty had another one of her workman-like performances playing textbook defense not allowing her opponent to get anywhere near Jesse Cole. Lea Niznik had a goal, two ground balls and a caused turnover. Mackenzie Kulick earned her stripes gathering up two ground balls, an interception and four caused turnovers. Lola Kiliddjian grabbed two ground balls. Co-Captain EB Billig played stellar defense and continues to be a vocal leader on the field. Liberty Hasselgren spelled gassed players throughout the game allowing her teammates to get much needed breathers.

Kouletsis shared her thoughts on the evenings's proceedings...

'It was extremely gratifying to celebrate a hard fought victory with my teammates. Everyone worked as hard as they could and it paid off. When challenged, tonight showed how our team can rise to the occasion. I am very excited for what is to come with the Lady Highlanders.'

In completing the sweep, The Woodlands JV downed Kinkaid 9-5 on the strength of sophomore phenom, Adrienne Drickamer's all-world game which included four goals, an assist, a draw control and four caused turnovers. Meredith Hunter hit twine three times. Katelin Hua and Maris Bouche had a goal each. Syd Spartz contributed a draw control, two interceptions and a caused turnover.

The Woodlands Varsity and JV play next at Memorial on the 26th.

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