By Megan Wehring
DRIPPING SPRINGS — While the Dripping Springs Tigers boys and girls soccer seasons ended earlier than they had hoped, coaches Josh Hill and Bailee Perrine still considered it to be a successful year.
With a score of 3-1, the Lady Tigers earned their way to the UIL 5A Regional Finals after defeating Gregory-Portland High School on April 8, in Corpus Christi. At the Regional Finals on April 9, the Tigers faced Boerne Champion — while they won both games against them prior, the Tigers were unable to secure the win the third time.
After both teams remained at a 1-1 score at the end of regulation play, the game went into extended overtime yet both teams were unable to score. They went to a penalty kick/shootout and Boerne-Champion won 3-1.
“This year, we broke the record for longest winning streak,” said Perrine, girls soccer head coach. “We only had two games that were within one goal. This whole season, we won every game by two or more goals except for [the games]against Lake Travis and Boerne-Champion.”
The Lady Tigers finished their 2022 season with a 25-1 record.
Dripping Springs Tigers as they walk back after congratulating the Boerne-Champion players. photos By Albert Sanchez
“I would say it was a pretty successful season,” Perrine said. “I don’t think the girls feel the same way, because when you come off a year of winning state to lose in the regional final, it feels like an unsuccessful season even though it was very successful. We got to the final eight in the state and it’s a huge accomplishment.”
As for the Dripping Springs boys team, they punched their ticket to the state championship game after defeating Katy Jordan High School 1-0 on April 14. The championship against Wakeland High School was held on April 16, at Georgetown High School.
“For the last four or five years,” said Hill, boys soccer head coach, “we’ve won four out of the last five district championships. We’ve made it to the third round all five years. So, I think we’ve been knocking at the doorstep, breaking through. This team took it to the next level.”
Wakeland went into the second half with a score of 3-0. While the Dripping Springs Tigers played aggressive, they were unable to score in the second half, leaving the final score as Wakeland 3 and Tigers 0.
The Tigers finished 26-4 in their 2022 season and this was their first appearance in the championship game. According to school officials, the Tigers set new records in the season with 26 wins, 117 goals and 18 shutouts.
“We had a couple guys that scored a lot of goals,” Hill said, proud of his team. “But really, our defense was the key to our success.”
Dripping Springs High School is moving up to a 6-A classification next year.
Perrine discussed some goals for the next season.
“We plan on making a big run next year. If you ask the girls, they would say to win state at 6A,” Perrine said. “I’m going to challenge them in the pre-season by taking them up to Dallas and try to get games against big 6A schools. I think the girls can handle it and I think they are excited.”
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