Hawks Battle Bobcats in First Loss of Season

Walnut, California. The Lady Hawks traveled to LA to take part in the Mt. Sac Nike/Azteca Soccer Classic. They faced a difficult Southern California team in Saddleback College. 

 Lady Hawks fall short for the first time this season 0-3 to a very good Saddleback side who made the elite 8 in the south last season. The heat was a factor as the Hawks could not get it going early in the first half. After a 3 save from freshman goalkeeper Zara Mujica the Lady Hawks where finally beating for a goal in the 23^rd minute. A Hawks defense who has been very solid to open up the season not allowing a goal. With the direct play of Saddleback and constant long ball threat the Lady hawks conceded the 2^nd goal of the match in the 29^th minute. A stellar first half performance from freshman Alana Smith helped keep the Hawks in the match heading late into the first half. Sophomore Analise Villasenor had great chance in the last 3 minutes of the first half to put the Hawks on the board, but the woodwork said not for a 2^nd time in the half. 

 As the 2^nd half kicked off the Lady Hawks battled all over the pitch making for an exciting back and forth match with many opportunities for both sides. Freshman duo Katherine Smith and Anjalina Dahdouh showed a lot of heart and passion with their 2^nd half efforts helping keep the match at arm's length. A late chance in the 75^th gave the Hawks hope as sophomore forward Nariyah O'Brien got in for a chance against the saddleback goalkeeper who made a great fingertip save to keep the Bobcats up 0-2.  A late goal for the Bobcats put the game away but as Coach Cesar said after the match "Ladies the result did not go our way today, but we did not lose. We learned today what kind of a team we can be this season."

 Next up for the 2-1 Lady Hawks is an early morning games against host Mt. Sac who was a state finalist last season on there home field. It will be a great chance to learn some more about our team.