by Niki Cunningham
Sports Editor
ereporter: Bob Nielsen
It was Senior’s Night at Riverside Park on Thursday, as the Lady Grizzlies soccer team hosted the Anderson Cubs in their final home game of the regular season. Seniors Jessica Rorie, Katrice Lightsey, Francis Lopez, and Brianna Ashmore were honored by their team, parents, and spectators for their years of leadership and contributions to the team.
The game got underway in blustery winds which affected the pace and quality of play. From the first whistle, the Grizzlies attacked every ball and pushed towards goal. However, they seemed to be just one good touch short of breaking through for a good shot. Lassen did have some fine opportunities, but they were either cleared by the defense or missed the goal. The Anderson keeper was never seriously tested during the first half. Likewise, the Lassen defense kept Anderson’s attack under control, and Lassen goalie Hailey Chittock only had to touch the ball a handful of times.
With no score at the half, Lassen coach Jim Ayers made a few adjustments, pulling Chittock out of goal to take advantage of her speed and finishing ability up front, and putting Jordan McCloughan in net. This change paid of immediately, when Chittock took a long through-ball down the left side, challenged the keeper, and broke the tie with a nice touch past the keeper. Francis Lopez made a similar run down right side, attacked goal, and instead of shooting, laid it off to Chittock on the far side, who scored. Unfortunately, this goal was called back on an offside call.
Lassen kept up the pressure, and found the passing and touches that had eluded them in the first half. The Anderson keeper got a real workout as Lassen kept pounding the goal. However, shot after shot went wide or was saved, and Anderson kept the game close. The Cubs even made a few attempts at goal, but McCloughan was superb in the net, and came up with some huge saves. Finally, Lassen found the net off of a cross by Chittock, and a quick touch by Lopez to Jenna Monahan. Monahan made no mistake about her placement, and Lassen went up by two.
With a little breathing room, Lassen played out the game, taking their second straight victory by a score of 2-0. They are now in firm control of 2nd place in league, and have leapfrogged Corning for 3rd place in the division. The Grizzlies have two more regular season games, and are in a good position to have at least one home game during the playoffs. Lassen is hoping to have 3 of their starters back from injury for their next game against the league-leading West Valley Falcons on Feb 10th at the Redding Soccer Park.
