The Paris Ladycats soccer team returned from the Kennedale Ladykat Soccer Invitational with the runner-up trophy among a star-studded field of 12 teams, 6 of which are ranked in the regional preseason coaches rankings.
Although the tournament has a random matchup format that doesn’t include pool or bracket play, the Ladycats earned enough points from their preliminary matches on Thursday and Friday to make it into Saturday’s championship finale.
Paris started with a 1-1 tie with Class 5A North Forney. The Ladycat goal was by junior Tieren Gates off a cross from senior Monica Silva.
Friday’s game was a 10-0 rout over Lake Worth. Sophomore Estephany Balderas scored 4 of those goals, while other tallies were by sophomores Katy Hall and Emily Williams, juniors Gates and Janya Cook, and seniors Katie Chaix and Silva. Assists were recorded by Balderas, sophomore Laney Madding (2), Williams (3), Chaix, and junior Ashley Wilson.
Unfortunately, Paris had to face the defending state champion and tournament hosts in the championship match. Kennedale proved too powerful and came away with a 5-0 win, with all scoring in the first half.
The Ladycats (1-1-1) can take additional encouragement from Saturday’s 7th-place match which saw North Forney beat Princeton, the reigning District 19-4A champion.
Paris will host the R. K. Hall & Kings Classic boys and girls tournament starting Thursday at Wildcat Stadium. The Ladycats open on Thursday with a 2:30 p.m. match against Crandall.