By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Soccer Girls Split Final Two Contests
Alana
Junior captain Alana Kualapai keeps her eye on the ball as she starts an offensive charge up the field with the Modesto Christian defender trying to catch her. - photo by Marg Jackson/The Times

After a tough loss to Hilmar on the road Wednesday, the varsity Lady Cougars took out their frustrations on Modesto Christian, closing the regular soccer season with a 7-1 win.

They were shut out at Hilmar by a 4-0 decision and missed a chance to clinch the league title. Now it will take either a tie or loss from Hilmar to Ripon for the girls to have a chance at a top finish. If Ripon and Hilmar tie, Escalon will share the league title with the Yellowjackets. If Ripon defeats Hilmar, the Cougars win the TVL. If Hilmar wins, Escalon finishes second.

“We’re rooting for Ripon, how strange is that?” coach Jamie Peoples noted with a chuckle.

In Friday’s game, the Cougars struck early and often, getting goals from a number of players and seeing some solid goaltending when MC did make a run on goal.

Alana Kualapai again led the way with a pair of goals, notching another one on a header off a corner kick from her sister Vanessa, who ended the game with three assists. Araceli Gallo had a goal and an assist, Yarissa Cruz, Carlee Vest, Leslie Garcia and Cassie Murken all added goals in the big win. Alana Kualapai had a pair of assists as well, maintaining her hold on the league scoring lead for the season.

Senior Leah Martinez started in goal and had two saves. Junior Logan LaRossa took over in the nets in the second half and also stopped two shots. Martinez had a chance to play the field in the second half and narrowly missed scoring herself on a couple of solid attempts to find the net.

The Lady Cougars finished league play at 9-2-1 and have to await the outcome of the Hilmar-Ripon game to see where they finish and what type of seed they draw into the playoffs. They could get a home game, with the first round of the playoffs starting on Thursday, May 9.

 

Junior Varsity

The JV girls took a 3-0 win off the field from Hilmar in their season finale, as Modesto Christian doesn’t have a JV team. In the Wednesday win, Brooke Silva had two goals, Sierra Hernandez had a goal and assists came from Janet Rodriguez, Jasmin Elisalde and Promise Saavedra. Goalie Bonne Head had three saves.