The Centralia girls soccer team got off to a fast start before holding on for its first league win of the season, 2-1 at Rochester on Thursday.
“It’s a decent performance,” first-year coach Luis Magana Reyna said. “Not the best, but a win is a win.”
The Tigers (2-2, 1-1 2A EvCo) struck right out of the gate, with Olivia Gruginski setting up Trinity Smith in the third minute to give the guests the early lead.
They’d double it nearly as fast, with a second goal coming from Jaslin Corona in the 10th minute off an assist from Anahi Corona.
From there, though, Magana Reyna said he saw his side relax a bit too much.
“We kind of settled in and got overconfident, and let Rochester advance up the field,” he said.
The Warriors (2-2, 1-1 2A EvCo) took advantage, getting a goal back in the 28th minute.
That made the rest of the way a bit more nervy, but the Tigers held on for the second half to see out the win.
Ana Blankenship slotted in at left wing for Centralia, and earned high marks from her coach for the effort.
“She had an amazing game, (making) 1-2 passes with the midfield exactly like I wanted her to play,” Magana Reyna said.
Her sister, Braylee Blankenship, made four saves.
Rochester is set to drop back to non-league play and take on Hoquiam at home on Monday. Centralia will hit the road to Shelton on Tuesday.
