Rangers bust down La Salle defense for win
By Misty Volaski

What's a few sprains here and colds there when you're in the CIF semifinals?

Nordhoff 's girls' soccer squad came off a tough, though successful, regular season full of illness and injury to soar through the first and second rounds and the quarterfinals.
Against La Salle, the Lady Rangers fought nonstop for a chance to get into the semifinals.

As the third-seeded team in Division V, La Salle was the heavy favorite in the game. Nordhoff, seeded ninth, came out onto the field with the knowledge that La Salle was a "very strong offensive threat," said Nordhoff coach Pete Christl.

"It was a very strong attack by La Salle, who outshot us (NHS) by 16 shots on goal to four for Nordhoff."
As the first half came to a close, both teams were tied a zero, leaving a "very weary, confused Nordhoff squad looking for a way to gain control," added Christl.

The Lancer offense, however, gained control first, breaking through the Rangers' defense and netting a goal in the first seven minutes of the second half.

Nordhoff rallied back with a expertly executed play that found Ranger fullbacks, midfielders and forwards combining for the goal. Mary Ann Christl got the ball to Jessica Johnsen, who delivered it to Ranger powerhouse Ally Taylor for the goal.

Regulation play ended in a 1-1 tie, and NHS went into two 10-minute overtime periods.

After a wearying 95 minutes of play, Amie Cresto was able to slide a goal past "a very potent offensive (La Salle) machine," said Christl.

La Salle kicked up their offensive play a notch, and Nordhoff began to play long ball to Taylor.

Nordhoff played Oak Park yesterday in the CIF Diision. V semifinals, though results were unavailable as of press time. See Friday's sports page for the story.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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