By Kevin Park
Staff Writer
Photos by Brian Kojima
The Tigers dominated the San Marino Titans with 14-3 win at home on Thursday, January 28. This win placed the Tiger’s overall record at 10-3 and league record at 3-2.
The Tigers came out on the attack as soon as the clock started to run. Freshmen Sydney Shettleroe and Hayden Carlson, set up by freshman Jael Osborne, both scored by carefully maneuvering themselves for the open shot, putting the Tigers up first 2-0. Then immediately after, San Marino capitalized on the Tigers’ miscommunication on defense and scored a wide open goal, cutting the lead to 2-1. Senior Savannah Pierce responded by letting go of a powerful shot past the goalie. Carlson followed up with another goal to end the first quarter with a score of 4-1.
“We played pretty well. Our team came out strong, scoring seven goals in the first half and we kept up our intensity, playing better each quarter. We were able to move the ball quickly and make good reads on who was open and where our teammates were,” senior Melody Gray said.
The Tigers carried the momentum from the first period to the second and shut down the Titan offensive line with smart and precise defense. Off a San Marino turnover, Carlson received the ball up top and pushed the ball forward, beating her defender to receive and scoring the Tiger’s fifth goal of the game. To add on to the already lengthy lead, Shettleroe scored two goals with a nice lob shot for a goal and a set up goal, increasing the lead to 7-1. Freshman Sumi Rudinsky scored a ball from the 7 meter line to end the half at 8-1.
The Tigers were up by seven goals in the third quarter, but did not stop playing aggressively. Junior Brittney Jarjour kept the pressure on the Titans able to score on a six-on-five situation and beating a defender down the pool for a easy goal. Suddenly, San Marino put an end to its scoreless second quarter with a single goal, cutting the lead to 10-2. Pierce and Rudinsky scored their own goals, increasing the lead to 12-2.
The fourth quarter consisted of two more South Pas goals, both assisted by senior Melody Gray. San Marino who had been quiet offensively was able to score two goals before the game came to an end. The Tigers were victorious in rivalry rematch with a score of 14-4.
The Tigers will hope to continue their success when they participate in the Bonita Tournament on the road on Friday, January 29.
