We tend to focus this time of year on a certain other sport going on in Lubbock, but there is reason to cheer Red Raider fans. Our Red Raider Soccer team have brought a championship back to Lubbock. It is the first ever Big 12 Championship for the soccer program and after a big step forward last year, this was a satisfying end to one quest while the next one is just getting started.
Showing that it's not always a senior player stepping up, Freshman Gwennie Puente scored a goal that came in the 85th minute and would be all the team would need in their 1-0 victory over Kansas. The Red Raiders previously dispatched Oklahoma and #2 West Virginia in the tournament.
The Red Raiders went 10-3-5 this season and entered the tournament ranked 18th in the country. Though not quite reaching last year's success by going 14-3-1 and reaching #10 in the polls, the fact that they are Big 12 Champions makes all the difference to this squad.
By winning the Big 12 championship, it goes without saying that the Lady Raiders will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament and it also marks the fourth straight bid to the the NCAA tournament in the last four years. Texas Tech hosted the opening round of the NCAA tournament last year, and will find out if they do the same this year later today.
Be sure to show your support for our Fearless Champions as they bring home the hardware and go for the National Championship through the next month.
Congratulations to Coach Stone and the entire Soccer program!
You're not done! Finish! And GUNS UP!