Lady Hawks Beat Defending State Champions

Salinas, California. The Lady Hawks traveled to Salinas to take on defending State Champions Hartnell College in a vital non-conference match.

 Drawing the last two matches the Lady Hawks looked to get back on track with a win in their 5^th straight match away from home.  The game kicked off and the State Champions came out to play. They quickly created a chance on goal, but the Hawks defense was able to solve the problem. As the half went on the Lady Hawks settled into the game and began to create chances. The breakthrough came in the 31^st minute when freshman center back Katherine Smith check for a ball, Smith received it took on a defender and served a ball to sophomore forward Analise Villasenor. Who brilliantly finished the ball first time to put the Lady Hawks up 1-0. The Lady Hawks would not stop there in the 42^nd minute the Lady Hawks were awarded a free kick from 35 yards out. Sophomore Madisyn Hultgren hit a rocket of a shot that ended in the back of the net giving the Lady Hawks a 2-0 halftime lead. 

With a heart of a champions the Hartnell Panthers came out with a lot of energy and tried to get an early 2^nd half goal. Freshman Anjalina Dahdouh and Katherine Smith lead the Hawks backline in the 2^nd half handlining the Panthers crosses and balls in behind. After the early surge the Lady Hawks settled into the 2^nd half creating a few chances but could not find another goal. The Panthers found some late hope when they scored in the 82^nd minute. A spectacular save by freshman goal keeper Zara Mujica in the 87^th minute wrapped up the Hawks impressive road win.

Next up for the 3-2-2 Lady Hawks is a much needed home stand where they will be hosting Butte College on Tuesday at 4pm and Cabrillo College on Friday at 4pm.