LVS Split against Keller: Bear Cave Classic up next

The Lady Vikings JV and Varsity teams hosted Keller High School on Tuesday night.  The JV were involved in an end to end battle in the first half but down 2-0 early.  Just before the half, Victoria Watson was able to get the Lady Vikings on the board.  Unfortunately, the Lady Indians were able to punch in 2 more goals in the second half of play downing the JV by a score of 4-1.

The varsity on the other hand started strong and finished strong, improving to 10-4-1 with a 2-1 victory.  Abby Geiser scored her 12th goal of the year as she was able to intercept a Keller pass and take it behind the goalkeeper for an early Lady Viking goal.

LVS head coach, Jay Fitzgerald commented, "This was one of the best starts to a game so far this season."

The Lady Indians were able to get themselves on the board in the 32nd minute forcing the Lady Vikings to pick up the level starting in the second half of play.  With a sustained attack the majority of the match, the Lady Vikings were able to get themselves back on top with a 60th minute strike from Laci Earixson, her 10th of the year.

The game did pick up after the Lady Vikings took the lead with chances from both sides.  Not forgetting what happened the year before when the 2 teams met, the Lady Vikings were not going to let the lead slip away and the 2-1 result stood.

Next up for the Lady Vikings is the Bear Cave Classic and both teams have something to prove.  The JV is looking to avenge a championship match loss from last year while the varsity look to defend their 19 round, PK shootout championship over Denton Ryan in last years event.

The JV kicks off at 8:30am tomorrow morning with the varsity following at 9:50am.  The forecast is for rain and the schedule may change a bit but as of now, both teams are scheduled to play 2 games.

Strong showings at NEPS and GCISD; Host Keller TONIGHT

The Lady Vikings Soccer Program combined for a 4-2-0 record this past weekend outscoring opponents 14-6 between the varsity and JV teams.  The JV competed in the GCISD Invitational placing 6th overall out of 8 with a strong field of school from Southlake Carroll, Coppell, FM Marcus, Byron Nelson, Grapevine, Eaton, and Colleyville Heritage.  Vic Watson and Elena Ramirez each scored 2 goals in the event with Lili Martinez and Olivia Delvac each scoring one a piece.  A heartbreaking 1-0 loss in the opening match to Byron Nelson motivated them in their second match against Colleyville Heritage which they rebounded with a 6 goal, shutout over the Lady Panthers.  Matching-up against Southlake Carroll in the Consolation Final didn't go as expected going down early and just could not make up for goals conceded early.  The group looks forward to an opportunity to prove themselves once again this evening against another solid opponent as they host Keller High School at 5:30pm.  CLICK HERE to Watch LIVE.

The varsity continues to roll from their success in California at the Tri-Valley Classic in San Francisco over the break with an undefeated showing at the National Elite Prep Showcase presented by JATO Athletics going 3-0 with wins over national powerhouse teams from Florida and California, finishing up with a victory over Lubbock Coronado.  Two-time National Champion, Florida St. Thomas Aquinas rolled into town as the Lady Vikings opening opponent.  Junior, Mya Ulloa started the scoring in the 9th minute of play off a combination between Avery Hutka, Laci Earixson, and Abby Geiser.  In the 27th minute, Ulloa converted on a PK to double the Lady Viking lead.  Just before half the lead was cut in half by a quality goal by St. Thomas making the break a bit more stressful.

Head coach, Jay Fitzgerald said, "With such a strong start it was a bit of a let down to concede late in the half."

The Lady Vikings knew what they had to do and another strong start to the half was what they needed and what they got.  Freshman, Avery Hutka increased the LVS lead to 2 again off a corner from Rachel Firestone.  "If you are going to beat one of the best teams in the country, you have to be able to respond and that is what we did, " said Fitzgerald.

The event continued on Day 2 and the opponent didn't get any easier.  Steele Canyon rattled off 12 goals in their first 2 games of the event.  The San Diego high school was cruising as one of the most dynamic attacking teams of the event.

The Lady Vikings were well prepare and riding huge momentum coming off their Aquinas win the evening before and knew that the game plan and preparation must be clear in order to have success in game two.  It was Ulloa again striking first off a first time smash from Maddie Caffey.  That was all that was needed to keep the massive momentum they gained from day one.  "We needed to score first in order to set the tone and when we did, we were not going to give up anything.  I just felt it, " commented Fitzgerald.  Steele Canyon mounted  some quality possession but the Lady Vikings were able to break that rhythm with some really nice responses in possession on their own.  That gritty performance got the Lady Vikings their second win of the showcase.

Now on to Day 3, the Lady Vikings knew the first 2 matches of the event would mean nothing without finishing out the final game.  Fitzgerald told the team before the match that "the true identity of our team will show up today."  Lubbock Coronado, a solid west Texas team with 2 wins of their own and the majority of their players on the same club team wanted that undefeated mark as well.

A shaky start at best saw the Lady Vikings sunder the gun and on their heals a bit during the beginning of the half until sophomore, Paola Vazquez was able to score a clutch goal to get on the board first.  That goal allowed LVS to breath a little bit.  Holding a 1-0 lead at the half, Hutka again was able to come through in the second half with a pair of goals to solidify the win and the undefeated mark in the 17th Annual National Elite Prep Showcase.

Fitzgerald on the weekend...
"I am really proud of our group.  Starting with our freshman goalkeeper, Alle Steining, all the way through the middle of the park, we were solid.  You couple consistent, self-aware goalkeeper play with warriors through the spine of the team, that can get you some much deserved results.  Transition was key to going 3-0 on the weekend and clutch dynamic attacking play with our midfielders and wingers."

The National Elite Prep Showcase is in its 17th year hosting one of the top high school girls showcases in the county.  This year FAB 50 No. 3 Southlake Carroll (Texas), No. 36 Byron Nelson (Texas), No. 40 Carondelet (Calif.), No. 46 Ursuline Academy (Texas), regionally ranked Nolan Catholic (Texas), regionally ranked Harvard-Westlake (Calif.), Plano West (Texas) and Liberty (Calif.) finished the weekend undefeated. Teams played either three or four matches during the three-day event. No team went 4-0, Nolan Catholic went 3-0, Southlake Carroll and Plano West went 3-0-1 and Harvard-Westlake was 2-0-2.

The Lady Vikings return home tonight to host Keller High School with a JV/Varsity double header starting at 5:30pm.  Both games will be broadcast live.  The varsity match will begin around 7:15pm. CLICK HERE to Watch LIVE.

LVS returns home after the Tri-Valley Classic in California to host the National Elite Prep Showcase; JV in GCISD Invite

The Nolan Catholic Women's Soccer team didn't have much of a Christmas Break as they traveled West to San Francisco to the Tri-Valley Classic.  The Lady Vikings spent 4 days on the West coats competing against the highest competition possible.  Head coach, Jay Fitzgerald talked about the challenge, "We want the most competitive schedule in the country.  I think we are the only team that spends a third of their season playing out of state teams."

On day of Tri-Valley, the Lady Vikings took on St. Francis Catholic from San Jose, CA.  The game was end to end with Nolan Catholic leading 1-0 and 2-1 until giving way in the end 4-2.  Goals were scored by Abbey Geiser and Laci Earixson.  "We did some really good things in this game but just didn't manage some important moments," Fitzgerald said.

Just 3 hours later, the Lady Vikings take to the field again against a strong Bishop O'Dowd team but this time had to climb back from a goal given up in the early minutes of the game.  Abbey Geiser scored her second goal of the event to equalize just 10 minutes after the Lady Vikings conceded.  All the scoring was done in the first half of this match and O'Dowd got themselves back in the lead off a corner in the final minute of the first half.  More end to end action in the second half but the score remained 2-1 Bishop O'Dowd.

After some good rest and a double header on Day 1, the Lady Vikings took to the field again against a gritty Windsor High School team from Santa Rosa, CA.  Avery Hutka, Abbey Geiser, and Deborah Cottrell put the Lady Vikings up 3-0 and before you know it, with 15 minutes remaining and playing a man down, the scored is tied.  Fitzgerald mentioned, "We got comfortable and you know what that means... we just didn't continue to do the things we did to take the 3-0 lead but the response was tremendous."  Just after Windsor equalized the Lady Vikings responded and Avery Hutka added to her earlier goal and Laci Earixson put the nail in the coffin to seal the 5-3 win.

For the past 3 seasons, the Lady Vikings have used out of state opponents to re-affirm their identity and this year will be no different.  The challenges this Lady Vikings team faces each and every year are beyond adverse.  NEPS2017 battling in sub-freezing temps forced inside on a small field against California Grace Brethern, then the NIKE So Cal High School Classic playing 4 games in 4 days with OT and a PK Shootout, and then this year, 3 games in 48 hours at Tri-Valley.

All that to return home on Christmas Eve, have a 3 day break and then back at it again to prepare to host the National Elite Prep Showcase and take on 2-time National Champion, St. Thomas Aquinas from Florida in the opening match.

"I want these young ladies to have the best experience with the most difficult challenges.  By the time they are done with their high school careers, I want them to be better people, problem solvers with a No Fear mentality, " mentioned Fitzgerald.

Both Lady Vikings teams took to the field tonight in near freezing temperatures in the GCISD JV Invitational and the National Elite Prep Showcase.  The JV took on Bryon Nelson and moments before overtime was possible, they conceded a late goal to drop their opening match of 2019.  They will take on Colleyville Heritage tomorrow at 4:00pm at Cross Timbers Middle School.

The varsity played host to Florida St. Thomas Aquinas in NEPS2019 scoring one of the nicest goals you will ever see.  Avery Hutka, Laci Earixson, and Abbey Geiser combined to get the ball to Mya Ulloa who hammered home a one-touch finish in the 9th minute to get on the board first.  With 14 minutes to play Ulloa doubled the lead pasting a penalty kick in off the goalkeeper and in the corner.  Just before the half, the Lady Vikings lead was cut in half of a counter from Aquinas making the break a bit more tense.

Defensively, LVS was solid the entire match lead by center backs, Maddie Caffey and Alyssa Spotts and freshman goalkeeper, Alle Steining.

The tone was set early in the first half and again in the second with a goal just 6 minutes in by freshman, Avery Hutka off an assist from Rachel Firestone.  That lead held strong and the Lady Vikings improved to 7-4-1 on the season with a 3-1 opening NEPS match.  California Steele Canyon in the next opponent tomorrow evening at 6:00pm.  The match will again be broadcast LIVE.  CLICK HERE to Watch. #lvsLIVE

15th Annual Alumni Match this Saturday

The Nolan Catholic Women's Soccer Program is excited for the holidays but even more excited for the 15th Annual Nolan Soccer Alumni Day.

Your National Ranked Lady Vikings just returned from San Francisco, CA for the Tri-Valley Classic Christmas Eve and return to take on their alumni hero’s this Saturday. Come on out and show us that you haven't missed a beat. Whether you are currently playing or haven't played since your LVS days we would love to see everyone.

Be there...Saturday, December 29th at 11:00am at Doskocil Stadium. Along with your opportunity to show off your skills against LVS19, you can also learn more about our #ExpandingTheExperience $43 million campus improvement project that is currently underway. Also, FREE food and fun. The LVS Alumni Soccer Day is in its 15th year so come out and work off that Christmas turkey and stuffing before ringing in the New Year.

Our Lady Vikings have been hard at work gaining local and national respect. With an overall record of 6-4-1, the Lady Vikings will kick off the year hosting the National Elite Prep Showcase against national powerhouse, St. Thomas Aquinas from Florida team. Formerly the Nolan Showcase, NEPS runs January 3rd-5th, 2019.

The Lady Vikings Soccer program takes great pride in playing one of the most competitive schedules in the country; the mentality is fueled by the competitive spirit in the programs current and former players. No team in the country plays a more competitive and dynamic schedule. LVS currently has 4 California teams, 1 Florida team, and 1 Minnesota team on their schedule.

We look forward to seeing all our former LVSers. We are going to broadcast the 15th Annual Alumni Match LIVE on the NFHS Network. Link will appear @nolansoccer on Twitter and Instagram and on our website at www.ladyvikingsoccer.com Can't wait to see our #lvsFamily.

LVSers get 2 district wins; California this week

The Lady Vikings improved to 2-1-0 in district play with back to back shutout wins over All Saints and Liberty Christian last week heading into Final Exams this week.  The one two three punch of Mya Ulloa, Laci Earixson, and Alle Steining propelled the Lady Vikings to 8-0 and 1-0 wins last week.

After a surprising district opening lose to TCA a couple weeks ago, the Lady Vikings got themselves back on track overwhelming their opponents last Tuesday and Wednesday nights.  Earixson got the scoring started in the 14th and 15th minutes on the road with 2 well placed shots from just inside the box.  The Lady Vikings did however have to manage a couple defensive counter-attacks and were up to the task to keep the Saints off the board.

"Our backline bent for sure but some well timed individual efforts from our backs and goalkeeper kept the sheet clean," said LVS head coach, Jay Fitzgerald.

Allee Kimmey scored directly off a corner kick and Sophie Bailey added another one in the 29th minute before Ulloa started what was the first of her hat trick just minutes before halftime in the 35th and 36th minute.  She capped off her evening with a PK late in the game.  Freshman, Avery Hutka scored late as well with her 8th goal of the year.

The Lady Vikings returned home the following evening to host Liberty Christian and it took every bit of 80 minutes to earn the victory.  A sustained attack saw the Lady Vikings in front of the Liberty goal all game.

Fitzgerald added, "Liberty was well organized and we were having success with opportunities or, I should say, half chances in and around their goal but just couldn't capitalize."

LVS goalkeeper, Alle Steining cleaned up the box well with 4 saves and one late to keep her team in the game.  In the final minute of play, the Lady Vikings mounted another quality build-up that was finished off by Earixson as Geiser and Ulloa combined to get the ball to Earixson for the game-winner with 25 seconds to go in the game.

"I am proud of our patience in these matches.  We have a pretty good system and style and it is nice to see our group stick with it," mentioned Fitzgerald.

Next up for the Lady Vikings is St. Francis Catholic in the Tri-Valley Classic in San Francisco.  More information CLICK HERE.

Coming off a solid week; LVS back to district play

The Nolan Catholic Women's Soccer teams went 2-0 last week with 2 impressive wins over HSAA (JV) and Twin City Fire Academy out of Minnesota (Varsity).

Both teams had to brave the rain and the cold in route to victories.  The JV hosted HSAA for their home opener and rattled off a 2 goal lead at the half with goals by Emma Mueller and Elena Ramirez.

"Our team made a statement at our first home game, playing with a vision toward a competitive season with a 3-0 shutout," mentioned JV head coach, Edward Hernandez.

Lilly Martinez scored the second goal of the year to extend the lead to 3 in the 50th minute.  Gigi Del Signore and a solid back line combined for the shutout improving their record to 1-1-1.

With the Friday varsity match cancelled, the group was able to pick up a game against Twin City Fire Academy out of Minnesota over the weekend.  The cold, wet weather wasn't an issue for the Fire but the Lady Vikings were, as Nolan Catholic played the most complete match of the season this far improving to 3-2-1 with a 4-0 shutout of their own.  Underclassmen, Abby Geiser, Laci Earixson, Maggie Tepera, and Avery Hutka each scored in the match with freshman, GK, Alle Steining pitching the shutout.

Head Coach, Jay Fitzgerald said, "First off, we were fortunate to get a game in with Fridays match getting cancelled but the way we handled the weather and the way we executed our game plan was impressive.  We were solid in all functions of the game."

With the JV off until the return from break to prepare for the GCISD Invitational, opening with UIL 6A powerhouse Byron Nelson, the varsity plays 2 district matches tonight and tomorrow before heading off the California to compete in the Tri-Valley Classic in San Francisco.

Kick-off at All Saints is tonight at 5pm with Wednesday nights match vs Liberty Christian starting at 6:00pm.

LVS at home Friday and Saturday #lvsLIVE

Just when the weather turns a bit cold and wet, the Nolan Catholic Women's Soccer teams are scheduled to play.  Tonight the JV will take on HSAA at 4:30pm at Doskocil Stadium.  The varsity match following will be rescheduled.

The JV is coming off an away loss to TCA a week ago and looking to get back on track with a win tonight.

Without a match schedule until the first of January, the JV may have a game schedule for next Tuesday or Wednesday to get in one last match before break.  Start of the New Year, the JV jump right back into it with a match against 6A powerhouse, Byron Nelson in the GCISD Invitational, January 3-5 hosted by Grapevine High School.

With the varsity match postponed tonight, they have picked up another match Saturday morning kicking off at 9:00am against Twin City Academy Fire from Minnesota.  Twin City Academy was in for an event in South Texas that got cancelled and decided to come North to pick up some matches.

"We have had several matches postponed this year due to weather, that we were fortunate to find a group that is feeling the frustration just like us.  Training is great but kicking someone else other then your teammate sometimes is better, " mentioned LVS head coach, Jay Fitzgerald with a smile.

Both matches tonight and tomorrow morning will be broadcast LIVE @nfhsnetwork #lvsLIVE

CLICK HERE to Watch the JV Match