By Moses Leos III
When the Lehman Lady Lobos needed goals Friday, they turned to a pair of freshmen to accomplish the task.
Second half goals scored by freshman Gabriella Salgado and Kayla Johnson gave Lehman a vital 2-0 win over the Austin Maroons at Lobo Field.
“We worked hard and we came into the game knowing that we had to do our best to win,” Johnson said. “That’s what we did. We gave 110 percent.”
With the win, Lehman continues to maintain its hold on third place in the 14-6A standings with two games left in the regular season. Lehman hosts Akins on March 11 and closes the regular season at home against Westlake on March 21.
Lehman and Austin closed the first half in a scoreless draw Friday night.
Lady Lobos head coach Nauri Garcia said Lehman’s use of press coverage, which they worked on during the week, helped limit Austin scoring chances. He said the team was able to not overcommit on Austin ball handlers.
“I haven’t been worried about our defense,” Garcia said. “They’ve done a heck of a job, especially Maya (Erwin) in the back.”
On the offensive side, the Lady Lobos had several opportunities to score as they went back and forth on the field.
Lehman needed less than a minute to change the flow of the game in the second half.
A goal scored by Salgado gave Lehman a 1-0 advantage. Johnson said the Lobo offense was able to connect as a team in the second half, adding the team “worked off of each other and followed each other’s shots.”
Lehman padded its lead several minutes later when Johnson scored a goal off of an assist from senior Pamela Lasprilla. The Lady Lobos held a 2-0 lead and the momentum.
Austin High didn’t back down and worked to get back into the contest. Aided by an attacking front line and strong passing, Austin had multiple opportunities to tally goals against Lehman.
Erwin, who stood firm amid a torrent of shots, stopped all attempts. None were as important as a save in the 32nd minute when she halted an Austin High players shot attempt on a 1-on-1 situation.
“I make the saves, and if it comes out, the defense always has my back,” Erwin said.
Lehman’s defense withstood Austin High’s last ditch efforts to secure the win.
For Garcia, his seniors, whom he said are “giving a great example,” propagate the play of his underclassmen.
“We’re a fighting team,” Erwin said. “People know now not to mess with us.”
