February 23rd was a special day for Viking Athletics. We have experienced a tremendous amount of success before, but yesterday was historic as our girls and boys basketball programs advanced further in the TAPPS State Tournament than ever before, and our boys soccer program made their second straight TAPPS State Championship game. Here are yesterday’s events in greater detail:

The Village School’s Varsity boys soccer team competed in the TAPPS 4A State semifinal on Tuesday, February 23rd. The team traveled to Abilene, Texas to take on Lydia Patterson Institute from El Paso. The conditions were tough, with light rain, temperatures in the low 40’s, and gusts of wind that exceeded 20 mph. From the beginning of the game, it was evident that both teams were closely matched. The Vikings had a few opportunities in the first half, but it was Lydia Patterson who controlled most of the possession. With the wind at our face, the conditions made it difficult to stretch the field and open up the game. We buckled down on defense and went into halftime tied, 0-0. With the wind at our back in the second half, the Vikings were able to create more flow, and with that, came more opportunity. We were beginning to dominate possession, while displaying incredible teamwork, organization, and brilliant skill on the ball. With 30 minutes remaining in the game, that opportunity came when Toni F made a beautiful pass to Cailen S, who buried a goal into the back of the net! The Vikings were now on top, 1-0. For the next 20 minutes, both teams battled back and forth, but it was Lydia Patterson who would score the equalizer with only 11 minutes remaining in the game. With the score tied at 1, a late goal would almost certainly determine the game. With that being said, both teams were conservative in the final stage of regulation as neither team wanted to create an opportunity for their opponent to capitalize on. At the end of regulation, the game was still tied, 1-1.

As per TAPPS rules, the game was now headed for two, ten minute overtime periods. With the golden goal rule in effect, the team that scores first would win the game. If no team scores in those two overtime periods, the game would be decided by penalty kicks. After 20 minutes of extra time and the score still tied, the game was headed to penalty kicks. In a penalty shootout, the kicker is all by himself, with one kick, from 12 yards away, with only the goalkeeper there to defend. Teams alternate kicks in a best of 5 format. The Vikings were the first team to kick. Senior, Ross B, stepped up and buried one into the back of the net. The score was now 2-1 Vikings. Lydia Patterson’s first kicker sailed his shot over the crossbar. Still 2-1 Vikings. Next to kick for the Vikings, was leading goal scorer, Cailen S. Cailen stepped up, the keeper dove right and got a hand on the ball, but the placement was good enough to find the net. 3-1 Vikings. Lydia Patterson’s second kicker found the net. 3-2 Vikings. Next up for our boys was Senior Captain, Michael W, who made a solid kick on goal, but the Lydia Patterson keeper made a spectacular save. Still 3-2 Vikings. After another score, Lydia Patterson tied it up, 3-3. Next up for the Vikings was Toni F, who scored the goal earlier in the game for the Vikings. Toni stepped up, and netted his attempt to put the Vikings in front, 4-3. The pressure was now on Lydia Patterson to answer. After a solid strike from their kicker, Viking goaltender, Wassim G, made a great diving save, keeping the Vikings in front, 4-3. Next to kick for the Vikings was Fraser K. With the game on the line, Fraser buried the game winning goal to secure the Vikings victory, 5-3! It was a dramatic win, and one that secured our Varsity boys soccer team a second straight birth in the TAPPS 4A State Championship game. Great job to all of our players and coaches for your ability to persevere through the pressure of the situation, conditions, and successfully manage the emotions of the game. The Varsity boys will travel to San Antonio to compete for the State Championship on Friday, February 26th, at 3:00pm. Good luck and Go Vikings!

Back at home, the girls and boys Varsity basketball teams were gearing up for their TAPPS 4A State Tournament Sweet 16 match-ups. The stage was set earlier in the day, as the high school pep rally set the mood perfectly. Our Viking student body was pumped for the events of the evening, and the Moore Gym was rocking! The girls were first to play, as they faced the same opponent as our boys soccer team, Lydia Patterson from El Paso. Lydia Patterson jumped out to an early lead, but both teams were making plays and the momentum shifted back and forth. The Vikings would trail at the end of the first quarter, 14-13. The second quarter was more of the same. The tempo was quick. The girls looked to create pressure and speed the game up, but Lydia Patterson handled it well, and took a 26-24 lead into halftime. After making halftime adjustments, the Vikings stormed out in the 3rd quarter with a 9-0 run to take the lead. Lydia Patterson weathered the storm, but our defense was starting to buckle down and make life difficult. The Vikings kept getting stops on the defensive end and transitioned nicely on offense. We controlled the quarter, and took the lead heading into the 4th, 38-33. After playing a number of tough games throughout the season, our girls were very comfortable with the magnitude of the moment. The formula remained the same for our Lady Vikings as the girls maintained their energy on defense and locked in on their playmakers. The offense was led by Starlyn F, who played a tremendous floor game, hit shots, and created opportunities down low for post player, Elisa F. Elisa was the game’s high scorer and leading rebounder, with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Junior guard, Amber P, made some clutch free throws down the stretch, going 7 for 8 at the line, which would keep the Vikings in front. Senior Captain, Elien E, also hit a few big shots and played excellent defensive on the other team’s best perimeter player. The youngest starter on the Lady Vikings, Liz M, was her typical efficient, high-energy self. Liz was the second leading rebounder on the team and showed an incredible amount of toughness. The Lady Vikings would go on to win the game, 54-43, securing their spot in the Elite 8 of the TAPPS State Tournament! The girls will now play on Saturday, February 27th, against Victoria St. Joseph’s. Location and time are TBD.

It was now time for the boys Varsity basketball team to take center stage in the Moore Gym. The boys were set to face San Antonio Christian. From the opening possession, the Vikings forcefully dictated the tempo by playing with extremely high energy. The Vikings defense was stifling. They created turnovers, secured rebounds, and transitioned quickly into offense. The boys took a 21-8 lead after the first quarter. The second quarter saw no drop off. The Vikings made life even more difficult for San Antonio Christian and limited them to only 6 points in the second quarter, which opened up a 31-14 halftime lead. The offense was led by the shooting of Draylyn D, nifty play around the basket from Antonio M, and an incredible floor game from point guard, Chandler G. The catalyst on defense was underclassmen, Ben A, who was relentless in creating pressure and causing turnovers. The Vikings opened up a 40 point lead in the 4th, and everyone played and contributed. After each sub entered the game, the energy and focus on defense remained high. The Vikings would go on to win 74-42, securing their spot in the Elite 8 of the TAPPS State Tournament. The boys will now play on Saturday, February 27th, against San Antonio Holy Cross. Location and time are TBD.

Good luck to these teams as they continue to make our school proud. Thank you for your willingness to make the necessary sacrifice to pursue excellence, commit to each other, and honorably represent our school. Go Vikings!