Varsity vs. Ridge Point High School @ Ridge Point High School – 1.14.2025
The Spartans would end their extremely difficult pre-District schedule with a match against Region 3 perennial powerhouse Ridge Point High School, who has made the State Tournament two of the last three years. The Panthers would come out ready to play, putting the pressure on Stratford from the opening whistle.
The Panthers would capitalize early, beating the Stratford defense, but Stratford keeper Sophomore – Addie Greenway would make a great initial save, but unfortunately a Ridge Point attacker was able to hit the rebound into the net to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. Later in the half, Stratford was called for a foul outside of the Stratford box, and Ridge Point capitalized again. The free kick was taken by a Rice University commit for the Panthers, who would leave no doubt, burying the free kick in the net to give Ridge Point a 2-0 lead.
The Spartans would control the final fifteen minutes of the half, culminating in a number of great scoring chances for Stratford. Freshman – Hannah Hewitt was fouled on the sideline and awarded a free kick 35 yards from the Panther goal. Sophomore – Zoe Lawless would take the free kick and send it into the box. Senior – Nicole Abbey would attempt to run onto the ball from Lawless, putting her body on the line, but the Panther goalie was able to grab the ball and thwart the opportunity.
It would be Senior - Ryann Weber in the midfield who would find a streaking Junior - Sydney Valentine up the middle with only a few minutes to play in the half. Valentine would drive toward the goal before being trucked from behind on the line of the penalty box. A free kick would be awarded to the Spartans, and a creative combination play between Junior – Sara Benton and Senior – Mary Charlotte Paul would result in a shot on goal that would be deflected wide by a Panther defender.
The next chance for the Spartans would come in the final minute of the half when Valentine would beat a back-line defender for Ridge Point near the end line before sending a dangerous ball to the middle of the box to the feet of Paul. Paul would rip a great shot on goal, but the Ridge Point keeper was able to leap and get her fingertips on the shot, deflecting it just over the crossbar.
A formation change for the Spartans at the half would lead to a couple of early, dangerous opportunities between Weber and Junior – Avery Rushing. Despite those early chances for Stratford, it would be Ridge Point who would extend the lead midway through the second half. A cross into the box was finished by a dynamic header into the back of the net by the Panthers to extend the lead to 3-0. Senior – Liz Harbison would make a fantastic save late in the match to deny the Panthers another goal, but unfortunately time would run out for Stratford to make a comeback.
Despite the loss, Stratford and Ridge Point were evenly matched in possession for the game, with shots for each team equal at nine and corners earned in favor of Stratford, 5-1. Now it is onto District play, where the Spartans will start things off against Cy Creek High School. The Spartans will be looking for their fourth straight District title this year, so come out and support the girls in the coming weeks!