Riverhawk girls win soccer opener

Sophomore forward Ariana Gonzalez scored a career-high four goals; her twin sister, Lilyana, scored a goal; and freshman midfielder Willow Ziegenhagen scored twice to help lead the Riverhawks.

“It was a good first game against a Pendleton team that usually gives us more trouble and they’ve been a pretty good opponent in the past,” said Tonn.

The Riverhawks’ offensive attack scored three goals in a span of 12 minutes to take a commanding 5-0 advantage midway through the second half.

“In the second half, I felt like our ball possession and offensive pressure kind of helped us take control of the game, which is what we wanted to do,” said Tonn. “They [Buckaroos] were confused, and they were struggling a little more in the second half and they had trouble trying to figure some things out.”

Ariana Gonzalez, who scored after getting a rebound when a ball ricocheted off the top crossbar to give The Dalles a 7-1 lead, said it was a good start for the Riverhawks.

“I thought Pendleton was a good team and I thought that it would’ve been a close game, but we just played really good,” Gonzalez said. “I feel very happy that we’re having such a great start to the season and hopefully we’ll all continue to each push ourselves so that we can continue to get better every day.”

The Dalles defense was led by senior goalkeeper Yadhira Cruz Torres (three saves) and Olivia Prado (two saves). They rotated the position in front of the net. Defenders Jamie Bastian Palacios, Yaritza Torres-Escobedo and Bryce Newby also helped lead the Riverhawks limit the Buckaroos’ scoring chances.

“Goalkeeper is a horrible position because you can’t substitute them after 10 minutes of playing,” said Tonn. “I would like to let them both play the whole game. They are both great players; they’re both supportive of each other and they cheer for each other, so you can’t really ask for anything more from your keepers.”