The Rio Grande Valley Vixens are on a roll this season and they hope their hot streak lasts at least one more game.
The Vixens will clash with the Rockport Her-ricanes for the Division II IWFA championship at 5 this afternoon at the Golazo Soccer Complex in Pharr.
Both teams enter the title game at 8-1. The Vixens defeated the SWTX Mockingjays 61-32 in the first round of the playoffs and the STX Phoenix 78-47 in the semifinals to clinch a spot in the championship game. Meanwhile, the Her-ricanes defeated the Weslaco Jaguars 78-47 in their semifinal to punch their ticket.
Today’s title game will be the first ever for both the Vixens and Her-ricanes. The Vixens are in their fourth year while the Her-ricanes are in their inaugural season.
Last season, the Vixens went 2-6, but this season they have made quite the turnaround with a mixture of veterans and young players leading the way.
This year’s squad is a year older with more experience along with leadership from the veterans and an offense that has punished opposing defenses, not to mention the defense, which has a couple of heavy hitters.
This year’s squad is led by “Ms. Do-It-All” Ashley “Dirty 30” Flores, who is currently playing quarterback but can line up about anywhere on the field. Carolina Herrera patrols the defense and is up for the league’s defensive player of the year.
“This is what we have been preparing for all season,” said Flores. “From day one this has been our goal and this is what we have been working for. It’s going to be a challenge, however, since they’re (the Her-ricanes) 8-1 for a reason. But so are we and we’re prepared for the challenge.”
Offensively, the Vixens are fueled by a trio of first-year players in Samantha Escandon, Bailey Najera and Yesenia Ortega. In the semifinals, the Vixens scored 78 points with Escandon scoring five touchdowns and Najera four.
“Last year we were missing a few things, but from the team to the coaching staff we all developed and took that next step,” said Vixens defensive coordinator Alberto Rodriguez, who like Flores has been a part of the Vixens since their first season in 2013.
“People still look at us as an underdog, but I see it like we have some unfinished business. The unity on this team is what stands out and these girls play for each other.”
IF YOU GO
RGV Vixens (8-1) vs. Rockport Her-ricanes (8-1)
-What: IWFA Division II championship game
-When: Today
-Where: Golazo Soccer Complex, 5704 N. Gumwood St., Pharr
-Time: 5 p.m.
-Road to the title game:
First round: Defeated SWTX Mockingjays 61-32
Second round: Defeated STX Phoenix 78-47
