BELMONT, CA - The trek to Belmont was spiced by another of a series of Mother Nature’s recent outbreaks. As if yesterday’s 80+ mph winds and 4” of rain weren’t enough today’s game found teams battling each other along with the weather. In the end it was the Lady Warriors who prevailed 2 -1.

A fierce game through the first half saw a continuation of the Warriors goal drought. Once again dominating play through the first half with nothing to show on the scoreboard the team was miffed.

“We just have to play through this,” Coach Keel commented at half. The team has played extremely well the past 120 minutes without scoring a goal. “It is a temporary thing and it is easy to let this get you down but that’s how this game goes. The truly strong teams find a way to overcome, and we will overcome, keep battling!” she added.

The second half mother nature put the first score on the board. Winds and rain picked up dramatically. The Warriors momentum followed suit. An Emily Von Raesfeld corner kick to Katie McLaughlin was deflected, and then found the feet of Macie McMillan who finished a low ball past the goalie.

A second goal followed six minutes later as Freshman Raylina Rodriguez passed to Anna Calderon who dropped a ball off to a charging Emily Von Raesfeld who then powered a shot to the back of the net giving Valley Christian a two goal lead.

Senior standout Sara Roth rallied the team the team as hail pelted the players in the final ten minutes of the match. “Despite the weather we played a very physical game. We stayed on our game putting together a string of strong combinations. Our communication on the field  helped us manage the pressure from a difficult opponent. We really controlled the rhythm of the game today,” Roth said.

Notre Dame did not roll over. With 6 minutes left escaped the shut out when Sara Mack collected an arrant ball and deposited it far post out of the reach of goalie Kendra Gillio. The Lady Warriors held on to improve their league record to 3 – 2. The always tough St. Francis Lancers will visit VC on Tuesday as league play goes into full swing.