Recently, Carmel Ashland has been hungry to score more goals for the St. Mary’s girls soccer team.
And because of a key injury to the Crusaders’ starting lineup, St. Mary’s coach Martin Nelson provided an avenue for the senior center back to do so.
That move proved to critical on Monday as Ashland, who shifted up to the defensive midfield, scored the game’s only goal, propelling the Crusaders to a 1-0 District 4 victory over Cascade Christian at Lithia & Driveway Fields.
“She’s been hungry for goals the last few games,” said Nelson. “Since we’ve had some injuries, we’ve had to move some players around. With her being up a little farther, she had an easier time getting up and taking more shots.”
Ashland found the back of the net for the Crusaders in the 22nd minute into the upper right corner of the goal post from 30 yards out after coming up with a steal.
Ashland replaced fellow senior Katherine Mejia, who was out with a concussion.
“Katherine usually plays middle and we needed someone to fill in, and Carmel is a really good choice for that,” added Nelson.
The Crusaders had the first-half edge in ball possession and were able to limit the Challengers’ scoring opportunities but Cascade Christian was able to break free for more chances after halftime.
Senior goalkeeper Katelynn Balsiger was able to record nine saves for the Crusaders.
The Crusaders’ backline of Lilana Castillo, Eva Castillo and Atziri Cortez proved effective in keeping the Challengers from getting many quality shots, particularly in the first half, while Sadie Glaser’s rugged ball pressure helped stymie the Challengers’ game plan.
“Sadie has been really helpful for us in every game,” said Nelson. “A lot of games would have gone in different directions if Sadie wasn’t there pressuring.”
Offensively, Lucy Maxell and Bella Mussio helped give the Crusaders scoring chances.
HIDDEN VALLEY 3, PHOENIX 1: At Phoenix, Carsyn Gallegos tallied Phoenix’s lone goal but Hidden Valley, one of the state’s top Class 4A teams, was too much in the Skyline Conference showdown at P-T Rising Stadium.
The sophomore scored on a direct kick with about five minutes left for the Pirates (3-9, 1-6 Skyline), who held the Mustangs (7-2-1, 5-0-1) scoreless until yielding a goal just before halftime.
Boys Soccer
PHOENIX 2, HIDDEN VALLEY 1: At Murphy, with three minutes left in regulation and the score tied 1-all, Phoenix senior Jenner Selden crossed the ball into a crowd of players and it deflected off of a Hidden Valley player past his own goalkeeper for an own goal, helping the Pirates lock up a Skyline Conference playoff berth.
The Skyline Conference sends the top two teams to the state playoffs, and with the Pirates’ win over the third-place Mustangs (6-3-2, 2-3-1 Skyline), Phoenix (6-5-1, 6-1) captured the No. 2 seed and will have an opportunity at the top spot in next Monday’s matchup with top-seeded Henley.
After senior Daniel Palomino put the Pirates on the scoreboard first off of a cross from senior Isai Pinon in the 24th minute, Hidden Valley knotted the score in the 46th minute.
The Pirates’ Jayden Moody and Jacob Moody along with Dominic Crenshaw and Cielo Marlia-Larsen anchored the defense while goalkeeper Julius Bolstad came up with one save in a contest in which both teams had five shots on goal.
Volleyball
NORTH EUGENE 3, ASHLAND 0: At Eugene, Ashland took North Eugene to the limit in the final set but the Highlanders came out on top with 25-19, 25-15, 26-24 Midwestern League win.
The Grizzlies (0-15, 0-11 MWL) received five kills and five blocks from junior Flannery Lundgren and four kills and five blocks from senior Elle Lewis.
Junior Stella Crane paced the Grizzlies with seven digs while junior Tessa Hobein and freshman Kiera Kubiak doled out nine assists apiece
The Highlanders improved to 11-8 overall and 6-2 in MWL play.
soccer.jpg