Lady Rangers' soccer
off to slow start
By Misty Volaski

Nordhoff girls' soccer team started its season last night with a wake up call posting a 7-0 loss to Westlake at Westlake (Div. II CIF Champions).
The game began evenly matched and was 0-0 at the 35th minute mark of the first half. Nordhoff's sweeper, Beca Morrison, went to head a high driven ball that was sent into the 18 but was blinded by the sun. Westlake immediately capitalized by netting their first goal in the 35th minute. This spark energized Westlake and Nordhoff relaxed. Just the opposite of what should of happened," said Nordhoff coach Pete Christl.
The result was Westlake scoring three more goals over the next three minutes. At halftime, the score was a harsh 4-0, Westlake.
"Adjustments were made at halftime and the players responded well," said Christl.
Center half players Sarah Stoltz, Kristi O'Connor and Holly Cattoni consistently marked their counterparts and took away penetration down the middle. Westlake adjusted their attacking style using the width of the field, resulting in several corner kicks and two additional goals from headers in the penalty area.
Final score was 7-0 in favor of Westlake.
"Several positives did come from the match and great play and effort was present," said Christl. "Monica Kenton generated constant attacking pressure."
Nordhoff's defensive unit made some much-needed adjustments in the second half. "It was evident that Nordhoff has a ways to go, but the potential is there," Christl enthused.
The junior varsity squad played an excellent match in a losing effort, final score 1-3. Breanna Townley scored the lone goal for the JV squad.
Next game is away against CIF-SSS Division I powerhouse Louisville next Tuesday.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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