DALLAS:  The Varsity Girls Soccer team traveled to face Bishop Lynch on Monday for the final district contest of the season.  JPII entered the match with a 5-2 record in TAPPS play with one game remaining, having already defeated the Friars once, a 4-0 shutout win back on January 24th.  The only losses for the Lady Cards in district this season have come via shootout at the hands of Ursuline Academy.  

John Paul II and Bishop Lynch appeared evenly matched for the first 30 minutes until the Friars notched the first goal of the game.  A quick series of passes by BL had the JPII back line on its heels, and although Lady Cardinal keeper Mallory Murphy got a piece of the shot, the attempt had too much mustard on it.  Despite trailing 1-0, JPII held advantages in possession time, shot attempts, and shots on goal through the first half.  There was no panic on the visitors sideline at halftime and the Lady Cards knew they'd find a way to get back in the game.  

It didn't take long for JPII to punch back.  Nine minutes into the second half, Avery Bonilla directed a in-swinging corner kick from the right corner, aimed towards the back post, and the set piece strike actually ricocheted in off a Friar defender to even the score at 1-1.  With the score level, the Lady Cardinals continued to apply pressure and finally broke through late in the game.  In the 77th minute Lillian Penrod drove up the left sideline and won a corner kick for JPII after her cross attempt was deflected out of bounds.  Serving from the left corner flag, Ally Tucci produced a wonderful pass with near perfect touch that floated just in front of Maggie SymSmith, who headed it home for the 2-1 lead.  Mallory Murphy and the Lady Cards kept the Friars off the board in the final three minutes of regulation to hold onto the win.  

On the year, JPII finishes 8-4-3 overall, and earns the #2 seed in TAPPS Division 1 - District 2 with its 6-2 record.  Looking ahead, the Lady Cardinals will likely host the #3 seed in District 1, Prestonwood Christian Academy, in the Area Playoffs, date to be decided.