By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports
Byrd’s Lady Jackets have firmly established themselves as the top team in Shreveport-Bossier by defeating the other two top teams.
Byrd dethroned Benton atop this week’s girls coaches’ poll. The Lady Jackets won 3-1 in a head-to-head showdown with the Lady Tigers last Tuesday, then outlasted Loyola 1-0 last Thursday.
Benton slipped to No. 2 in the Shreveport-Bossier Journal coaches’ rankings, and Loyola stands third.
In a very noteworthy and seemingly inevitable accomplishment, Tuesday night Caddo Magnet’s Isabella Baltov broke the school and parish career scoring record as she netted five goals in the Lady Mustangs’ 8-0 win over Northwood. The new record is 162 and counting. The state record is held by 2004 Parkway graduate Rachel Alexander, who scored 242 goals in her four-year high school career. Parkway retired her jersey number after she graduated.
Byrd’s only goal in the hard-fought win against Loyola came 16 minutes into the first half. Maggie Wilhite played to Sally McKenzie who was able to cross the ball to a waiting Mia Romero. It took this much precision to break through the Loyola defense and avoid a scoreless outcome.
Byrd head coach Lisa Levermann appreciated the excellent competition. “Peyton [Lewis, their goalie] and their defense are hard to score against. It was a good game to help us prep for the playoffs.”
The Lady Jackets took care of business Tuesday night against Haughton, winning 9-1.
Byrd hopes to travel to Lafayette this weekend, weather permitting, to face Dominican and Mt. Carmel at St. Thomas More High School. This is a yearly tradition for the Lady Jackets to gear up for postseason.
After Benton’s loss to Byrd last week, the Lady Tigers took the rest of last week off to recover and prepare for Tuesday night’s district battle against Captain Shreve.
The Lady Tigers were able to rebound and topped the Lady Gators 3-1. They got goals from Baleigh Ware, Eden Whiteman and Eryn Flowers. Whiteman and Emerie Tanner were each credited with an assist. Shreve’s goal was scored by Ava Bogan.
Benton will host Bossier Parish rival Parkway on Friday, weather permitting.
Loyola was able to shake off the tight loss to Byrd when they defeated North DeSoto 7-0 Monday. The Lady Flyers face Parkway tonight at Messmer Stadium.
They are also scheduled to travel to Lafayette this weekend, hoping to meet Teurlings Catholic and Acadiana Renaissance Charter.
Captain Shreve had a strong week before running into Benton Tuesday night. The Lady Gators played five games, posting all shutouts, netting four wins and a tie. They beat Airline 2-0 last Tuesday, then played Texas teams over the weekend, beating Corrigan-Camden 6-0, Lufkin Hudson 4-0 and East Champers 5-0 before a scoreless tie with Brenham.
The Lady Gators host Magnet on Thursday before hopefully welcoming another team from Texas, Faith Family Academy, on Saturday if weather allows it.
The Week 10 SBJ girls’ soccer poll, listing school (the W-L-T record) points (then first place votes):
1, Byrd (13-6-3), 25 (5)
2, Benton (16-4-0), 20
3, Loyola (9-4-3), 15
T4, Magnet (12-3-0), 6
T4, Captain Shreve (17-4-2) 6
Others receiving votes: Calvary (3)
Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net