TexSport Publications: February 2024

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Canada takes down Paraguay 4-0 in Concacaf Women's Gold Cup

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 25, 2024) Canada's Adriana Leon scored the hat trick to lead The Canucks to a 4-0 win over Paraguay in the second round of Group Stage C action of the Concacaf Women's Gold Cup at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday evening.

Leon, who plays for Aston Villa (England) during the club season, started off her scoring onslaught in the 25th minute when she right-footed the ball into the net for the first score of the game. Olivia Smith followed up 10 minutes later to take the score to 2-0 against La Albirroja. Leon added to the Canadian total with two goals in the second half; in the 49th and 56th minute

With the win, Canada moved to 2-0 in the group stage, having defeated 6-0 on Friday night, with Leon scoring two goals in the game and Smith adding one.

Paraguay dropped to 1-1 after today's match beating Costa Rica 1-0 on Friday,

Next up for Canada is a Wednesday, February 28 against Costa Rica with a 5 p.m. start, followed by Paraguay and El Salvador at 8 p.m.

Friday, February 16, 2024

Great Hearts Monte Vista swims to state titles at 4A and under state championships

By Robert H Kelly

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (February 16, 2024) San Antonio Great Hearts Monte Vista showcased their swimming prowess at the UIL Class 4A and under Swimming & Diving State Championships, dominating the competition and leaving a trail of broken records in their wake. Led by standout performances from Averie Hager, Sawyer Stolarczyk, and Jaylee Hager, the Lions secured both the boys' and girls' team titles in impressive fashion.

Sophomore sensation Averie Hager stole the spotlight by setting a new 4A record in the girls 100-yard butterfly with a blistering time of 55.25, highlighting her exceptional talent in the pool. Not to be outdone, Sawyer Stolarczyk, also a sophomore, clinched four gold medals, including breaking meet records in the 200-yard and 100-yard freestyle races. Stolarczyk's electrifying performance in the anchor leg of the 400-yard freestyle relay secured the boys' team title for Great Hearts Monte Vista.

Meanwhile, Jaylee Hager, another sophomore standout, showcased her versatility by winning gold in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke, setting meet records in both events. The Hager twins' contributions were instrumental in the Lions' success, as they dominated the competition across various events and relays.

In addition to their individual achievements, both the boys' and girls' teams demonstrated remarkable teamwork by sweeping the relay events. The girls set an impressive seven meet records, while the boys broke three state records, solidifying their dominance in the pool.

With stellar performances from Averie Hager, Sawyer Stolarczyk, Jaylee Hager, and the rest of the Great Hearts Monte Vista team, the Lions have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Texas high school swimming. Their record-breaking achievements at the state championships serve as a testament to their talent, hard work, and unwavering determination in the pool.

The final results from the meet can be viewed here.

Photos from the meet, by TexSport Publications senior photographer Darla Tamulitis can be viewed here.