On the pitch

They made sure there would be no second-half comeback by the opposition in their home opener, though, pouring in five goals after the break to finish with a 10-0 win at the expense of the Bulldogs (0-1, 0-1).

Forward Joanna Villa led the assault against Stevenson, scoring four goals in a match for the second time this season to boost her season total to nine.

Villa put in three goals in the first half--two assisted by Michelle McMillen--Anna Schmid netted one off a pass by Lyndsey Scott and Kelsey Spadaro scored unassisted to give the Bruins a 5-0 lead at the intermission.

In the second half Columbia spread the scoring around. Anna Nakae found the goal from 18 yards out, McMillen tallied one from inside the goal box, Villa scored unassisted, Whitney Reynier hit a hard shot from 20 yards to the far post and Karina Barajas, in her varsity debut, converted a penalty kick.

The defense, led by Katie Yarnell and Manon Lerebourg in the center and Rebecka Childs, Sandra Guzman and Emily Paxson rotating on the sides, limited Stevenson's scoring opportunities and goalkeeper Tale Soljfeld's save chances.

"The team's play was good; however, we are still focusing on our communication and taking quicker shots rather than dribbling inside the 18-yard box," noted Bruins Coach Amy Kasenga. "The addition of the Trout Lake girls to our program has added depth to our team and we are very comfortable and optimistic for our season."

Columbia High 3, at Woodland 3:

The host Beavers netted the tying goal with under two minutes to play, with a shot from 18 yards that sailed over goalkeeper Tale Soljfeld's head.

Columbia mounted a 2-0 lead in the first half on goals by Joanna Villa (assisted by Kelsey Spadaro) and Anna Schmid, but gave it up in the second half on goals in the 47th and 55th minutes by Rachelle Olson and Jessica Pain.

The Bruins answered the Beavers' charge five minutes later with a goal by Lyndsey Scott from inside the goal box.

Olson evened the score in the late going, however, as the Bruins couldn't close out the match.

"It was a disappointing game for us in that we lost control in the last moments of the game," Kasenga said. "Holding possession--and our focus--has been a goal this year, and this was a good learning experience, a reminder, to have this happen to us this early in the season."

Columbia JV 7, at Woodland JV 1:

Karina Barajas tallied six goals--four in the second half--and Katie Crumpacker scored one as the Junior Bruins improved to 2-0 with another 7-1 win.

Moreover, it was the second straight match in which the junior varsity played with just 10 players.