Rouse girls takes Frisco Wakeland to PKs, but falls to 3-time state champion (photos)

Rouse’s Lexi Martin (14) passes the ball upfield during a girtls Class 5A semifinal at the UIL state soccer tournament on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Sonny Zepeda in partnership with A2Z Sports Media)

By Michael Adams
madams@onthesidelinesports.com

GEORGEOTWN – They say that in April a little momentum goes a long way.

For a team with just one senior, the Rouse Raiders (20-5-3) carried its flaming hot momentum from the regional tournament into Thursday’s Class 5A semifinal and nearly pulled off the biggest upset of the UIL state soccer tournament.

Three-time state champion – and 5A favorite – Frisco Wakeland (25-0-2) needed penalty kicks to put away the young Raiders 1-0 in a shootout at Birkelbach Field.

Through 100 minutes of regulation, Rouse junior goalkeeper Kayla Hehenberger had six saves and shut out the aggressive Wolverines offense.

Meanwhile, the Raiders offense tested Wakeland’s goalkeeper duo of Brooklynn Freeman and Claire Manis.

Sophomore Kylie Snell had two shots, while Shelby Wilson, Lilly Arellano and Jessica Aldrich each had an attempt.

Snell and Arellano made Rouse’s only goals during the shootout. However, Wakeland made all four attempts with Ava Yocum putting the game-winning goal by Hehenberger.

Frisco Wakeland will try for state title No. 4 in Saturday’s championship against Colleyville Heritage.