THE DALLES — The No. 1-ranked, three-time Tri-Valley Conference Champion The Dalles High Riverhawks got off to a great start to their 10-game league schedule with a 7-0 road win at No. 9-ranked Gladstone on Sept. 24.
The Riverhawks (1-0 TVC, 4-0-1 overall), guided by 14th-year Coach Colby Tonn and assistant Coach Darcey Hodges, have an experienced squad with six seniors.
“It’s good being ranked No. 1 and we were in that position many times last year too,” said Tonn. “We know that we just need to continue playing our game and just continue to improve. It’s early in the season, so we want to make sure that we’re not just resting on our laurels.”
Senior forward twin sisters Ariana (two goals) and Lilyana Gonzalez (two goals) helped lead the Riverhawks to the win over Gladstone (0-1 TVC, 3-2-1 overall). Senior forward Alondra Romero and junior midfielder Willow Ziegenhagen also scored goals.
The Riverhawks scored six goals in the second half; a Gladstone own goal provided the Riverhawks with their seventh goal.
“We have a balanced offensive attack with many players who are capable of scoring,” said Tonn. “I know that our players can score. What I also like is that they’re also selfless and good team players who are not always just trying to score goals themselves.”
Senior goalkeeper Olivia Prado had two saves as the team recorded its fifth shutout this season.
Tonn said, “We’re in a tough league that has improved a lot from last year and we have three top-10-ranked teams, including Gladstone and Estacada. We’re just plugging away and continuing to do the same thing that we’ve done in the last three years.”
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