Artesia girls’ soccer player Abigail Jowers delivered a game for the ages Saturday at Robert Chase Field, scoring four goals in the Lady Bulldogs’ 7-0 victory over the Portales Lady Rams in Artesia’s final regular-season home game.
Jowers said the team wanted to play its best, earn the win and build momentum for the state playoffs.
The Lady Bulldogs (14-3-1 overall, 4-0 District 4-4A) are undefeated in district play with two regular-season games remaining.
“We have been doing really well this year,” Jowers said. “We have all meshed well together, worked as a team and created opportunities for everyone.”
A record-setting performance
Jowers’ four-goal performance made her the school’s all-time leader in goals in a season and a career. She has 27 goals this season, surpassing Abigail Rios’s record, and 67 career goals, passing Sadi Butler’s mark.
“I knew I had the possibility of breaking those records,” Jowers said. “But it was not my goal. I wanted to play with my team and have fun in the last game. It means a lot to me to break the record.”
Jowers said she also wants to create scoring opportunities for her teammates so they can experience the same feeling.
Jowers has helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to a 32-8-1 record over the past two seasons and a state quarterfinal appearance.
Leadership beyond the scoresheet
Artesia girls soccer coach Tim Trentham said Jowers is a well-developed player who has continued to grow.
“She has invested herself in her teammates and in self-improvement,” Trentham said. “She understands what it means to be part of a program and not just take all of that on as an individual star, even though she does a lot of the heavy lifting for us offensively. She is very humble, which is a great characteristic to have when you have that kind of talent.”
Jowers said the difference in her play this year is greater confidence on the field, which has helped her encourage her teammates and make a bigger impact.
“I have been able to make it more fun on the field this year,” Jowers said. “I want to be a good leader on and off the field. My favorite memories are being on the field with my girls, having fun and winning a bunch.”
jtkeith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X@JTKEITH1.