Raiders make playoffs for first time

The Rice Raiders soccer team has officially made the playoffs for the first time in the school’s history.

It was not smooth sailing for the Raiders though as it came down to the last game to decide if they were going to make playoffs.

The Raiders tied the Columbus Cardinals, 1-1, which allowed them to lockup the last playoff spot in the district standings. Raiders head coach David Leist had all of the confidence in the world that his team could do it they just needed to believe in themselves.

“Since the beginning of the season, I told the players they have to believe in themselves and their team,” Leist said. “Well, they did that in the last game which allowed us to make the playoffs.”

Leist gave a ton of credit to the kids on the roster but also made sure that his assistant coach got the credit he deserved.

“Coach Hector Lopez and myself have prepared them for success over the last three years and it is finally paying off,” Leist said. “We are extremely proud of each athlete.”

The Raiders playoff journey is set to begin on Thursday, March 20, at 6 p.m. when they will host Needville in their first playoff soccer game ever at Rice Consolidated High School.