By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Road Wins For Varsity, JV Soccer Girls
0313 Goalie
As Escalons Carlee Vest, 2, at left, goes in to a slide to try and push the ball in, the Riverbank keeper goes down to block the attempt during a tight Trans-Valley League opening contest. Vest had a goal in the Lady Cougar victory. - photo by Marg Jackson/The Times

 

Falling behind, catching up, taking the lead, seeing it tied up again … it was a back and forth contest for Escalon’s varsity Lady Cougars in their first Trans-Valley League game of the season. The girls traveled to nearby Riverbank for the game on Friday, March 8.

“We pulled it off, a win’s a win,” said coach Jamie Peoples of the 4-3 final in Escalon’s favor.

Riverbank jumped out in front on a goal about 15 minutes in to the contest, though Escalon was able to get the equalizer. Goals for Escalon during the contest came from Alana Kualapai, Carlee Vest, Piper Rockwell and Yarissa Cruz, with assists from Rockwell, Leslie Garcia, Jackie Valeriano and Kualapai. Goalie Leah Martinez had four saves in net in the first half, Logan LaRossa was in net for the second half.

“Not having Haylee back there (on defense) was tough,” Peoples said of missing her sweeper Haylee Cook, who was not available for the contest. That forced some shifting of positions and Jaylyne Serpa took on some of the defensive assignments.

“I felt we were in control,” Peoples added of the game, though they had to battle to get the win with a last minute goal making the difference.

For the JV team, it was a 4-0 win though the squad only got to play two 20-minute halves because of losing daylight. The JV takes the field after the varsity at Riverbank.

Promise Saavedra had two goals in the win, Lindsay Miranda and Jenna Solari each had one, noted first year JV coach Nichole Meyer.

Assists were notched by Paolo Gallo, Miranda and Janet Rodriguez.

“We had an especially outstanding game from Promise Saavedra,” said Meyer. “That was our first league game, now we’re looking forward to the rival game with Ripon (Wednesday).”

The teams also host Orestimba on Friday, March 15 at 4 p.m.