by Niki Cunningham
Sports Editor
ereporter: Bob Nielsen
In a clash of the top two teams in the NAL, the Lady Grizzly Soccer team faced off against the West Valley Eagles Thursday night at Riverside Park. Lassen played aggressively, and showed poise and confidence. Lassen’s style of short passing, quick through balls, and long crosses was countered by the Eagles, who brought the ball right up the middle. Lassen’s passing game was good, but seemed to be just one shy of breaking through a solid defense. Still, the Grizzlies continued to working the ball to an open space, in an attempt to start an offensive play.
Lassen played a high intensity game, challenging every loose ball and stepping up to the West Valley attackers. The West Valley offense featured some well-placed passes to confident strikers. The Lassen defense spent most of the evening on high alert, and stopped many of the West Valley attacks before they could get a shot off.
However, the Eagles were able to possess the ball and move it down the field, finding space in the top of the box. The ball was funneled to the league’s leading scorer, Senior Shea Bertolucci, who took many great shots. While Lassen Keepers Hailey Chittock made some athletic saves in the first half, and Jordan McCloughan was solid in the second, Berolucci was able to put five in the net. Teammate Kayli Regelin added two more, to bring the final score to 7-0.
The entire Lassen side played to win throughout the entire game, with great effort and intensity. The Grizzlies came off with their heads high and plenty of positive play. In the end, the Eagles walked away atop league standings, leaving Lassen tied for second with Corning. Lassen and Corning will square off this Tuesday at Riverside Park, with a scheduled kick-off at 5:15.
