The 30 degree weather was not much of a help when it came to winning a soccer game. The half grass, half mud field was also not much of an addition.
Despite the new freezing weather conditions that has just hit the Central Valley the Granite Hills Lady Grizzlies were able to pull off a shaky 2-1 victory over the Orosi High School Lady Cardinals, on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
Yesenia Samano (right) goes up against an opponent during the first half
Photo by Robert Madrigual
“We just had a bad game and I think we just need to learn from it,” junior Sonia Stewart said.
The first half of the game the Lady Grizzlies played scrappy – passes and offense was slow. However, sophomore Debra Rodriguez helped stop the attacking forwards from Orosi, all while keeping her team’s spirits up. However, Orosi’s main threatening forward was able to force the Lady Grizzlies to make a defensive mistake and from there she crossed a ball to the left side of the goal box – just inches from keeper Zoe Kisling’s hands. This gave Orosi a quick 1-0, lead.
Towards the end of the first half freshman Mercedes Steidley was able to bring down and control a pass within the 18 yard-line. From there Steidley found the back of the goal net, making it 1-1.
As half-time came around the Lady Grizzlies had to come together and figure out how to work as a team.
“We just needed to stop making mistakes and look for the open player,” senior mid-fielder Deanna Alamillo said.
Rodriguez and junior defensive player Andrea Rodriguez couldn’t have agreed more.
Lady Grizzly Yesenia Samano (right) goes up against an opponent during the first half of the Grizzlies home game
Photo by Robert Madrigual
By the time the second half rolled by the Lady Grizzlies were ready to claim their first home victory. In the middle of the second half Steidley was able to find the back of the net again, she gave her team the lead they desperately needed.
The two teams continued the battle on the field, however neither was able to score, which led to the Lady Grizzlies first victory at Jacob Rankin Stadium.
On Wednesday, Dec. 9, the Lady Grizzlies will travel the hour journey to play the Reedley Pirates.
