GEORGETOWN — The Jasper Lady Bulldogs have made their mark on soccer in recent years, but have yet to come away with the ultimate prize.

The heartbreak continued Wednesday afternoon as Boerne held off Jasper, 2-1, in their UIL Class 4A state semifinal from Birkelbach Field.

"We want to come out here with the expectation to make it to that final," said Jasper coach Gabriela Carter. "It’s a hard pill to swallow, but I’m proud of my girls. We made it once again to a state tournament, and they gave me everything they had right to the end.”

Jasper (26-2), which was appearing in its third consecutive state tournament, was denied a return trip to the state title game after falling in last year’s final.

“It’s been a special time, especially with this group of seniors," Carter said. "I’ve coached them since they were little bitty. It’s been a wonderful last four years. They’ve matured as players and as young ladies. They’re great athletes and great students. I can expect great things of every single one of them; they’ve all got plans and they’re gonna go far in life.”

Boerne (21-4-1) will meet Stephenville (24-4) at 2:30 p.m. Thursday for the state championship.

Boerne made the most of its opportunities, scoring in the 15th minute of the first half and adding a goal with 27:46 remaining in regulation.

Both goals came courtesy of Paige Marcell.

Jasper kept attacking, drawing to within a goal, 2-1, on Julie Carter’s header off a corner kick from Alivia Richardson with a little more than 20 minutes remaining.

“I told them that we came here to fight, and not to hand anything over," Coach Carter said. "We made some adjustments, and it just wasn’t our day. We got our shots off, and our passing game going, and Boerne just did a good job of shutting us off.”

The Lady Bulldogs had a chance for the equalizer three minutes later but Caitlyn Warren’s shot was deflected just before reaching the goal.

In all, Jasper dominating in scoring chances. The Lady Bulldogs held a 17-8 edge in shots, and had six shots on goal — one more than Boerne.

“I hope they’ve learned from these experiences at state," said the Jasper coach. "Even if you find that obstacle and you don’t succeed, as long as you give everything have, you can say ‘hey, I gave it everything I had.’ It just wasn’t our day.”

-- Video by Greg Sherman, Special to ETSN.fm

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