Seven Lakes had high expectations heading into this season.

Coming off a District 19-6A championship and a regional quarterfinal appearance, and with a wealth of talent returning, the Spartans knew they had the potential to have a very strong team on their hands if they put things together.

So far they’ve done just that, starting the year 13-0-1 with a 7-0-1 record in district play and excelling on both sides of the ball, as the Spartans have met their own expectations with a very strong start to the year.

“This team just has a special connection overall,” said senior centerback Katie Lennon. “As people we really just get along and we’re close. It makes things more fun, the practices, the games, they never get old because we all get along with each other and want to play and win for each other. That’s what made this group so special and successful this year.”

Seven Lakes continued their dominant run on Saturday, with the Spartans coming away 3-0 winners over Cinco Ranch to remain four points ahead of second place in district, using two early goals to jump out to a fast start and take care of business against the Cougars.

“I was proud of the way they played today,” said Seven Lakes head coach Kaitlyn Eidson. “They came out and did what they needed to do today. The girls knew what we had to do to be successful and win this game and they played the way they needed to play. They stuck to the gameplan, believed in each other and executed. When we do that and execute then it’s a different type of game.”

It took only four minutes for the Spartans to get their first goal as they threatened the Cinco Ranch goal early and often.

Kennedy Reed whipped in a cross to the back post and while no Seven Lakes player was able to get a head or foot to it, it held the keeper who was waiting for a touch and the ball ended up in the back of the net for a Reed goal.

Just two minutes later, the Spartans doubled their lead as Haydan Erck scored directly from a corner, whipping in a ball that went right across the face of goal and inside the far post for an Olimpico as the Spartans went two up early in the first half.

“It was huge for us to get those two goals and get them early like that,” said Seven Lakes senior goalkeeper Maddie Rich. “Especially on a windy day like today because we had it to our backs first so we needed to take advantage of that. They wanted to play things through the air and they have some good players who can win those balls, so to get two goals, be able to focus on that and get momentum shifted our way is exactly what we needed to do in that situation.”

The Spartans made it 3-0 in the 28^th minute when Erck whipped in another cross that Vicky Ott headed for a goal, allowing Seven Lakes to comfortably see out the match.

“Haydan is just such an unselfish player and it’s really special that someone with her talent is as selfless as she is,” Eidson said. “She understands her movement opens up a lot of space for other players and with the other dynamic players we have, it allows them to capitalize on that. We have a lot of players that can draw those defenders and then release the ball quickly and find the open player and that’s just awesome to have in a group.”

The Spartans are chasing their second straight district championship, while there is still a ways to go, the team is confidant in themselves and believes they can battle with anyone. A big part of that belief comes from the Spartans defense, which has been stellar in every way this season and has been a main catalyst to their success, only allowing one goal through 14 games. With a defense like that, the Spartans know that they can do a lot of things this year.

“It’s the leadership we have back there, on the backline and at goalkeeper, we have so many individuals that stand out, but as a unit they’re even better than individually,” Edison said. “They deserve every bit of praise they get because you can’t count the goals that they keep from going in, it’s easy to see the attacking stats, but it’s the hard work at the back that allows that to happen. All of our players know how to defend, and it’s about all 11 and that’s what is so key with these players, is they all know how to play the different parts of the game.”