THE DALLES — The No. 1-ranked, four-time Tri Valley Conference champion The Dalles High Riverhawks continued their success in OSAA Class 4A girls soccer by finishing the regular season undefeated with a nearly perfect 13-0-1 record.
“We’ve had a good season so far and now we’re ready for the playoffs,” said Coach Colby Tonn. “The girls know what it takes to win and they’re all well focused; they’re playing well and we’re just hoping to continue to improve going into the playoffs.”
As a league champion, the Riverhawks earned an automatic berth in the 16-team state playoffs, and they’ll host a first-round game Nov. 4 versus the No. 25-ranked Baker High Bulldogs (5-3-1 League, 6-6-2 overall). The Bulldogs are the second-place team from the Greater Oregon League.
The Nov. 4 winners advance to the Nov. 7 quarterfinals. The Dalles would host a game against the winner of No. 7-ranked Estacada and No. 9-ranked Oregon West Conference champion Philomath.
The Riverhawks extended their win streak after getting two more TVC victories last week. The Riverhawks celebrated senior night on Sid White Field at the Wahtonka campus with a 10-0 win over North Marion on Oct. 27.
The Riverhawks followed with an 11-0 road win on Oct. 29 over Madras. That marked the highest scoring game this year for the Riverhawks, who have the No. 2-ranked offense (6.07 goals per game average) out of 35 Class 4A squads.
Led by senior goalkeeper Olivia Prado, the Riverhawks recorded their 13th shutout of the season. The Riverhawks have allowed one goal this season, which was in a 6-1 win Oct. 1 versus Molalla. Prado and defenders Bryce Newby, Doty and Torres-Escobedo have helped spearhead the Riverhawks’ defense.
Tonn said: “We’re doing a great job of playing great team defense. As the season goes on, we’ve kind of gotten into a flow with everyone on the team. We’ve definitely picked things up well offensively, which has helped us become a high scoring team.”
Twin forwards Ariana (26 goals, 23 assists) and Lilyana Gonzalez (19 goals, 11 assists) and junior midfielder Willow Ziegenhagen (17 goals, 13 assists) lead the Riverhawk offense — which has scored 85 goals.
Marist, The Dalles and the No. 3-ranked Skyline Conference champion Henley High Hornets (11-0-2) are the three remaining unbeaten 4A girls soccer teams. The Dalles and No. 2-ranked Scappoose (11-2-1) played a scoreless tie Sept. 3.
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