PLANO:  The Varsity Girls Soccer Team faced off against Ursuline at Plano's Clark Stadium East Field on Friday afternoon.  The Lady Cardinals were winless against the Bears in district play, dropping both games by one goal each.  To add to the drama, John Paul II looked to avenge its loss to Ursuline in last year's state title game, a 2-0 shutout win by the Bears.  The Lady Cardinals jumped out to a quick lead in the first ten minutes after junior midfielder Kristina Melen settled a ball into the box, fought off several UA defenders, and drove one past the keeper to give JPII all the momentum.  Not to be outdone, just minutes later freshman forward Olivia James took advantage of some poor Bear clearance and snuck one through to shock the Ursuline side.  Up 2-0, the Lady Cardinals were not content to just let the half run out and instead kept the pressure on.  During the second half, the Lady Cardinals switched strategies and dropped back into their own half and clogged up the Ursuline passing lanes.  A late goal breathed some life back into the UA sideline but the Lady Cardinals held fast and denied any potential Bears' comeback attempt.  Senior keeper Sarah Melen was phenomenal in goal, tallying several spectacular saves to keep the Bear attack at bay.  With the win, the Lady Cardinals advance to the TAPPS State Semi-Finals where they will face Bishop Lynch tomorrow night at TCA-Addison, kickoff at 7pm.