Numbers up for Lady Rams

PORTALES — Coming off last spring’s COVID-abbreviated campaign, Portales High’s soccer teams have only one way to go this year.

Playing an almost-all District 4-4A schedule during the spring, the Rams were 0-8 while the Lady Rams went 0-6, with both going 0-6 in district play.

Second-year PHS girls coach Bonnie Britton said her squad’s numbers are up this season from 16 to around 25. The Lady Rams open the season in a tournament in Roswell on Friday and Saturday.

“The exciting thing is we have a large group of young players,” said Britton, a 1999 PHS graduate. “As a program, we really worked hard with our optional summer workouts in July.”

The Lady Rams return eight players with significant starting experience, including three seniors — midfielder/forward Zoe Roy, defender Kassidy Galassini and forward Kealy Horner. Others back are junior midfielder Adeli Hernandez, junior defender Kami Sievers, junior forward Joli Griffith, sophomore defender Annabelle Ortega and freshman goalkeeper/defender Kadynce Reeves.

Another player, senior midfielder/defender Leah Ramirez, is back after not playing last season.

Britton believes having a full pre-district schedule should do nothing but help.

“We saw improvement in every game we played last season.” she said. “The girls will have an opportunity to play before we head into district. They’re developing as a team and a program.”

Britton knows her team’s work is cut out, but wants to instill a positive attitude and develop a good chemistry.

“We know we’re the underdogs in the district,” she said. “But we’re trying to work hard on that.”

On the boys side, coach Ruben Tellez said the Rams graduated eight senior regulars and figure to be more on the young side.

“Some of the kids that were freshmen last year and had to play are going to have to step up,” he said. “But we’re expecting to have success — we’re hoping for the best. All we can do is compete.”

Four players return with significant playing time from the spring, including senior defender T.J. Salas and three sophomores — goalkeeper Matt Garcia, midfielder Emmit Saiz and forward Cameron Heywood.

As with the girls, the Rams face a district with their three opponents — Artesia, Lovington and Roswell Goddard — all among to better programs in the class.

Tellez acknowledged that there are no soft touches.

“Our district is tough,” he said. “But it’s good competition and good for the kids to compete.”