By Frida Alamilla
On Tuesday, December 5th, the Lady Gators won their biggest rivalry game out with a bang: Lady Gators 5, Byrd Lady Jackets 1. This was the worst loss that C.E. Byrd has had in their soccer history of over 30 years! The first half was very intense as the teams were neck and neck. The Gators got scored on in the first half. Then immediately scored their first goal within minutes, tying the game with a 30 yard free kick by junior Alex Knight.
Meanwhile Shreve’s student section completely hyped up the Lady Gators. A diverse amount of spirit and athletic groups were in attendance including boys varsity and junior varsity soccer, baseball, girls junior varsity soccer, varsity and junior varsity cheer, and many more. A raging crowd packed the small stands at Caddo Soccer Field to watch the rival teams go head to head. Shreve’s fans were united in cheering on the girls along with the parents, students, and staff members, which really brought up the energy in the game.
As the second half came around, the Lady Jackets thought they were going back to the Hive with a win, only to find out the Lady Gators would knock them out with four more goals. Junior Ella Grace Davis had a 40-yard free kick 18 minutes into the second half, resulting in a goal. Sophomore Eva Snead got a lucky goal with a corner kick rebound ball, not even 5 minutes after Davis’ goal., Sophomore Ryleigh Cram had a shot just inside the box, with only seven minutes left. Senior Isabella Hamilton scored a tap in goal in the final moments, bringing the final score to 5-1.
This was Coach Lane and the Lady Gators’ second win against C.E. Byrd, with a 2-1 win last year.