Sarah Robbins knocked in the match-clinching goal in the 61st minute to give Centralia its first win of the season, a 2-1 victory on the road over Rochester, Thursday night.
“We did a good job of taking shots,” Centralia coach Henry Gallanger said. “We played really good, really hard. We’re learning how to maintain intensity and hold onto the lead.”
The Tigers took the first lead of the game from Alia Gomez-Ortiz’ unassisted goal in the 37th minute. But the Warriors came firing back when Yarexy Meija found the back of the net on a penalty kick in the 54th minute.
The Tigers finished with 14 shots and keeper Lilliana Babka recorded three saves. Rochester keeper Allison Morrow made five saves on the night.
Gallanger praised Annabelle Lewis for playing lockdown defense in the middle of the field.
“We’ve gotta fight back to get into the lead,” Gallanger said. “They can’t take their feet off the gas.”
Rochester coach Ken Matthews said although his team was able to come away with their first win, he was still pleased with how they competed.
“Tough loss,” Matthews said. “I thought we played well enough to win, if not for a couple of those nagging mistakes that drive coaches crazy.”
Matthews named Meija and freshman Piper Quarnstrom as the Warrior Women of the Match.
Rochester (0-8, 0-5 league) travels to Hoquiam on Saturday. Centralia (1-7, 1-5 league) hosts W.F. West on Tuesday.
