Tulare Western pitches shutout over Granite Hills.
The thought of beating the best team in the East Yosemite league was definitely on the minds of a
handful of seniors.
However, victory came in quite the opposite direction on
Tuesday, Jan. 12, when the Tulare Western Lady Mustangs gathered up all of
their determination and skill to shut out the Granite Hills Lady Grizzlies,
4-0.
In the first half three goals were put away by the Lady
Mustangs incredible attacking offense. Lady Mustang Melissa Jimenez led her
team with two goals and Renae Chappelle finished with one. However, many
potentially shots on goal were stopped thanks to senior Deanna Alamillo coming
down from her usual midfield spot to play defense.
“We actually played a lot better in the second half,” junior
sweeper Andrea Rodriguez said.
And a better second half was exactly what was on the menu.
“The way Gabe talked to us made us really change our
attitude right before the second half,” Debra Rodriguez said. “We could have
done better though if midfielders helped out the defense more.”
But, the Lady Mustangs still over powered their opponents.
The undefeated team continued to keep attacking. Tulare’s Brandi Sunamoto put one more away in
the second half before calling it a night.
Junior Sonia Stewart drew a penalty kick in the middle of
the second half; however, Lady Grizzly freshman Mercedes Steidley missed the
top right side of the goal just by inches.
Kisling had 11 saves for the night while Tulare’s Sarah King had nine.
The Lady Grizzlies will take cross-town rivals the
Porterville Lady Panthers Thursday, Jan.14, at Porterville College.
