The Rowlett girls soccer team finally got a taste of playoff victory last season. Now, it's hungry for more.

Rowlett had been a regular playoff participant for years but had never won a postseason game until last season. Rowlett won two playoff games in 2007 before losing to Allen, 1-0, in a regional quarterfinal match.

With a 13-3-1 record this season, Rowlett's goal is to get to the next level and qualify for the Region II tournament. Or go even further.

"Especially since last year, that was the first year we moved on," junior midfielder Nicole Chrisopulos said. "It's got us even more excited that we can do better this year."

The excitement began when coach Karen Valentini took charge of the squad last season. Valentini has worked to instill the same determination she had as a member of a state championship team her senior year at Plano in 1997.

Valentini's practices aren't easy, but success never is.

"I work them pretty hard. But you know what? It's paid off," Valentini said.

JUAN GARCIA/DMN

Madison Terry (left) and McKenzie Caldwell will be key players in Rowlett's quest for a deep playoff run.

"They've come to understand what my requirements are and what my goals are for them. I push them because I know that they have the ability to do it."

But it's not all hard work. Valentini has also instituted several team-building ideas. The players exchange "spirit gifts" – decorating lockers and such. Weekly team dinners are new this season.

The players are also required to do "spirit talks." Every week, two or three players are responsible for delivering a motivational speech to the rest of the squad. The talks force them to focus on team goals and allow them to talk about issues that might otherwise get glossed over.

"It lets them really take leadership and ownership of the team," Valentini said. "I think it's good for them."

Rowlett has taken the team concept to heart. Goal-scoring has been spread among several players. Chrisopulos, a center-mid, leads with nine while senior Madison Terry is next with eight. Freshman Ashton Geisendorff is a major contributor with seven goals and seven assists.

"We rely on all our forwards and our midfielders, and sometimes our defenders, to score," senior defender McKenzie Caldwell said. "I would say we play almost as one."

Although Rowlett plays an attacking style, the team has an appreciation for great defense. It starts with goalkeeper Jennifer Gibbs, a four-year starter.

"I know if I mess up or someone else messes up, she's right there to have our back," Caldwell said.

Those mistakes are rare because of the team chemistry Rowlett has built. The bonds formed off the field, with team dinners and pep talks, show up on the field as well.

"When we're on the field, we all come together really good, and we always practice really hard. Off the field, we're a funny team, and we all get along," Chrisopulos said.

While Valentini has brought a lunch-pail mentality to workouts, it's not all hard work for the team.

"When we play, we still have fun," Chrisopulos said. "But when we need it, we always focus and accomplish the things we need to."

Rowlett came into sharp focus earlier this season in a rematch with Allen. In the championship game of Allen's own tournament, Rowlett took Allen to overtime before falling, 2-1.

"That was in our first few games," Chrisopulos said. "I think we've become a stronger team since then."

If Rowlett indeed has gotten stronger, a team that was a perennial one-and-done in the playoffs may be sticking around a little longer again this year.

"We hope that we will be able to accomplish what we did last year, and even possibly go further," Valentini said. "I know we have the talent to do it."

13-3-1 overall, 9-1 in District 10-5A

2.64

0.70

Nicole Chrisopulos, 9; Madison Terry, 8; Ashton Geisendorff 7

Geisendorff 7, Terry 5, Shannon Gorrie 4, Bethany Labac 4

• McKenzie Caldwell is signed with Oklahoma Central

• Terry is signed with Texas Tech

• Shannon Gorrie is signed with North Texas

• Chrisopulos is committed to Kansas