By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor

Westlake opened its District 25-5A slate in dramatic fashion.

The Chaps rallied from a 1-goal halftime deficit to seize a 2-1 win over defending district champion Bowie Tuesday at a frigid House Park.

Westlake’s winning goal came with less than a minute on the game clock when Sarah Gross collected a pass from Carmela Doerr in front of the goalie’s box and found the back of the net for the second time in the match.

Coach Rennie Rebe but it also showed her side’s resolve.

“This district is tough, and teams will find themselves in a hole,” she said. “I am proud of the girls for battling back.”

dominated play in the first 20 minutes of the match while garnering a 1-0 lead. The Chaps played better in the next 20 minutes, said Rebe, but couldn’t produce an evener.

“I felt like we were missing the fire and intensity necessary to pull out a win,” Rebe said. “I challenged the girl’s at halftime to battle for 50/50 balls and fight for the win.”

The Chaps responded to Rebe’s fiery words. They pressed their pace in the second half and were rewarded with a corner kick in the 60^th minute. Lauren Peterson headed the corner off the crossbar, and Gross booted home the loose ball to tie the score.

Not satisfied with a draw, Westlake continued to press its attack and generated quality shots for the rest of the half. That aggressiveness paid off when Doerr found Gross for the game-winner. 

Boys fall to Bowie

Bowie (6-1-4) made a strong early statement by seizing a 2-0 win over host Westlake (3-3-3) in the District 25-5A opener for both squads.