HOOD RIVER — The Hood River Valley High (HRV) Eagles capped a successful 2024 season by qualifying for the Class 5A girls soccer 16-team state tournament for the first time since 2019.
The No. 14-ranked Eagles (8-5-2) lost in the first round of the playoffs, 6-0, Nov. 6 at third-ranked Caldera High (13-2-2) in Bend. The underdog Eagles, guided by third-year Coach Leonor Lopez-Agiurre, trailed just 1-0 at halftime The Eagles still trailed by one score in the 65th minute, but the Wolfpack scored five goals in the final 15 minutes to eliminate HRV from the playoffs.
“It was close for most of the game, but unfortunately, our girls started getting tired and then it went downhill for us late in the second half,” said Lopez-Agiurre. “I am very proud of the team for making it to the playoffs. We play in a very competitive conference. I believe that this team can compete and that it should be an expectation for our girls soccer program to make it to the playoffs each season. It does take a lot of support from parents and discipline from players, but it can be achieved.”
Four HRV seniors — Julia Rowan, Lucy Dierker, Ocean Rivera and Grace Rowan — concluded their careers by competing for the first time in the state playoffs.
“I am super proud of all of our seniors,” said Lopez-Agiurre. “They each took on a leadership role for our younger players and helped their development day in and day out. I will miss each one of them and I know that they will make a difference everywhere they go.”
The Eagles concluded their Northwest Oregon Conference (NWOC) schedule with a 3-4-1 record and a sixth- place finish in the nine-team league standings. Four NWOC teams were in the top 10 of the Oregon School Activities Association OSAA rankings and five squads reached the state playoffs. The Eagles had 13 underclassmen on their varsity roster. Following their win over HRV, the Wolfpack advanced to the Nov. 9 quarterfinals, winning 3-0 over the Silverton High Foxes (14-1-1). Caldera was scheduled to play Bend (11-4-1) in the Nov. 12 semifinals.
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