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Ready for the stretch run: Horn girls feeling better after downing first-place Rockwall
By DEVIN HASSON, dhasson@starlocalnews.com
Horn experienced a roller coaster of emotion last week.
Just days after one of the most disappointing nights of the season--a loss to last-place Tyler Lee--the Jaguars had one of their best, as they routed first-place Rockwall in a 4-0 victory.
So after the ups and the downs of its previous two games, Horn entered its time off during Spring Break feeling good about itself.
"I tell them that if they put in hard work 100 percent of the time then great things will happen," Horn head coach Brooke Collier said. "But if you don't do that, you are not going to be at the top of your game. They showed they can fight right back."
With 11 days between games due to Spring Break, teams handle the hiatus in different ways. The Jaguars have been working out this week, and despite the momentum gained from the win over the Yellow Jackets, Collier said the time off is a benefit.
"I really think it helps because it allows them to step back and remember what they are fighting for," she said. "This is a chance to recharge the energy and get ready for the rest of the season."
Horn already knows it will be heading to the Class 5A playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. The Jaguars have put together one of the most impressive resumes in the area with a 16-3-1 overall record.
There is no singular reason for that success, as Horn has leaned on a talented, deep roster, blending a mix of younger and more experienced players, to make the team stronger as a whole.
Goalkeeper Bayleah Hill recorded her 12th shutout of the season with the victory over Rockwall but that is an achievement the entire team takes pride in, particularly in the back.
Senior Brooke Hill, junior Robin Lee, sophomore Jocelyn Garcia and freshman Isabel Gracia might have differences in varsity experience, but they play like they have been together for years.
"They all just compliment each other well and they rely on one another back there," Collier said. "And there is great leadership from all of them. No matter the age, they are all one unit."
It is a similar story up front, where Horn has had several different players step up at various points of the season. While senior Courtney King leads the team in goals, there is plenty of balance, as Haley Hicks, Torri Sayman, Jordan Kondikoff, Arianna Dunsworth and Liz Campos have all made an impact on the offensive end.
For proof, look no further than the last game against Rockwall, when three different players scored goals, and three different players provided the assists.
"It is tough to defend our five attackers and all five are so different," Collier said. "We have one who is best at shooting, one is good in the air, another is good at through balls, so they all have different strengths and when they are working together, it makes us tough."
One of Horn's main goals of winning the district title is out of its hands, as they must hope that Rockwall slips up in one of its final three matches if it has a chance.
But the Jaguars, who will return to action on Tuesday against Mesquite, are keeping their eyes on that prize, and if the Yellow Jackets do falter, they intend to be there to take advantage.
"We talk about taking it one match at a time," Collier said. "We know that Rockwall has to either lose or get into a shootout, but we also have to focus on us, and for right now, that means Mesquite. If we are going to have a chance to catch them, we need to win out and that is our focus."
Follow Devin Hasson on Twitter: @DevinHasson
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