On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Winters High School women’s soccer team played at home against Live Oak High School and won 2–1.
Live Oak has been the Warriors’ biggest rival in the league for the past several years, and this year would be no different. The Warriors would have to play the best they have played all season if they were going to defeat the team that has outscored other teams by an average of 15 goals.
“We opened the scoring in the first half with a goal by Violet Tuel assisted by Lilianna Rodriguez,” said head coach Chip McKenna.
Rodriguez then followed Tuel with a goal of her own early in the second half off an assist from Ruby Campos.
After Rodriguez scored the second goal for the Warriors, Live Oak began playing a more aggressive game and scored a goal in the net late in the game. The Warriors quickly adjusted their gameplay and were able to hold them off the rest of the game. The Warriors’ strong defense was key in this victory.
“Samantha Ramirez and Ruby Campos were particularly effective in preventing the Live Oak offense from getting started, and Lilianna Rodriguez stood out on both sides of the ball,” said McKenna.
Marta Silva was exceptional in goal and got in the heads of Live Oaks’ offense.
While the Warriors would’ve liked to have gotten more balls in the net, McKenna said they are extremely satisfied with their hard work and victory.
The WHS women’s soccer team won its second game of the week on Thursday, Jan. 26 against Willows High School by a shutout score of 5–0.
While Willows would be considered an easier opponent than Live Oak, the Warriors’ offense had to work hard to get past Willows’ challenging defense.
“We were finally able to score three goals in the first half by Ramirez, Ava Skinner and McKenna Clifford,” said McKenna.
Yarethzy Sanchez and Pricilia Gonzales both added one goal each in the second half of the game.
“As we had the game well in hand, the entire team was able to get significant playing time,” said McKenna.
The Warriors have been working hard on different methods of scoring in practice and were able to put their practice into play against Willows. The Warriors proved that hard work does pay off and were effective in terms of their scoring efficiency.
The WHS women’s soccer team’s next home game will be on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 3:15 p.m. on the Dr. Seller Football Field.
