ALAMOSA, Colo. – The Adams State Women's soccer team won their first conference game of the season against Black Hills State University on Sunday afternoon, 5-1. The win moves the Grizzlies to a 2-4 overall record and 1-1 in conference play.
The Grizzlies struck early with a goal by Diana Cerillo. It was Cerillo's fourth goal of the year which leads the team. The Grizzlies defense dominated in the first half of play. The Yellow Jackets only had one shot on goal in the first half. The Grizzlies offense were aggressive in the first half with 12 shots with five being on goal.
The Yellow Jackets scored six minutes into the second half off of a Rachel Erickson strike from ten yards out to tie the game at 1-all. After the Yellow Jackets tied the game, the Grizzlies scored four unanswered goals to seal the victory. In the 61st minute, Diana Cerillo put the ball up in the air for Natalie Wheelock to outleap a Yellow jacket defender and head the ball for a score.
Two minutes later, Kendall Weld outraced Yellow Jacket defenders to set up a two-on-one opportunity for the Grizzlies. Weld found Chloe Cook for the easy goal. It was Cook's first collegiate goal. Breana Flores joined the action with a goal in the 69th minute. Flores popped a shot over the overly aggressive Yellow Jacket goalkeeper for the score.
In the 81st minute, Kendall Weld scored a goal of her own with beautiful passes by Lourdes Padilla and Diana Cerillo. The Grizzlies kept the Yellow Jackets off of the scoreboard to secure the win.
The Grizzlies offense had a season-high 25 shots and 15 shots on goal. It was their second five-goal game of the season. Through six games, the Grizzlies have already scored more goals (17) than last season (14). Janine Hurst in her first year as head coach for the Grizzlies believes that passing is the key to the Grizzlies offensive success so far.
"Check to space, get open, so that you're available to get those passes," Hust said. "Pass, pass, pass until we get an opportunity to score."
The Grizzlies next game will be against Fort Lewis in a conference matchup. The Skyhawks are coming off a 1-0 overtime victory over Regis University. The Grizzlies tied Fort Lewis in an exhibition game during the pre-season.
"As long as we show up to play, it'll be a good game," Hurst said.
The Grizzlies will travel to Durango on Sunday, Sept. 23. The Grizzlies and Skyhawks are scheduled for opening kick at 2:30 p.m. at FLC Dirks Field.
