BRENHAM — The Taylor Lady Ducks’ season came to a close Tuesday, March 25, after falling 3-2 in penalty kicks to the Needville Lady Jays in the Class 4A Region III area round of the playoffs.
Taylor took a 1-0 lead in the first half after sophomore Kaitlin Crane found the back of the net. Needville responded early in the second half when senior Cailyn Bliss scored in the 43rd minute to tie the game at 1. The Lady Jays then took the lead on a goal from Maylie Smith, whose shot bounced off the crossbar before crossing the goal line, making it 2-1.
The Lady Ducks had several scoring opportunities in the second half but struggled to get past Needville goalkeeper Brylie Nesvadbe. Freshman Sam Schroeder finally broke through, netting the equalizer to send the game into overtime tied at 2.
Taylor regained the lead with 9:12 left in the first overtime on a goal from junior Avery Paulson. However, Needville answered with 1:32 remaining as Smith scored her second goal, sending the game into double overtime.
Neither team found the back of the net in the second overtime, forcing a penalty shootout. Schroeder and Paulson converted their attempts, but Needville prevailed by making three penalty kicks.
Taylor finished the season 18-7 overall and placed second in district. The Lady Ducks secured a playoff victory for the second straight year, defeating China Spring 2-1 in the bi-district round.
Taylor returns several key players next season, including Schroeder, Paulson and sophomore Analisa Arroderondo, positioning the team for another strong run.
Joel Luna special to the press contributed to this report.
