THE DALLES — The No. 1-ranked, four-time Tri-Valley Conference champion The Dalles High Riverhawks (8-0 TVC, 11-0-1 overall) continued their success in OSAA Class 4A girls soccer by winning their fourth consecutive league title after two more victories this past week.
The Riverhawks, guided by 14th-year Coach Colby Tonn, won at home Oct. 20, 2-0, over the Molalla High Indians (5-4 TVC, 8-6 overall). Junior midfielder Willow Ziegenhagen scored two goals for the Riverhawks. They followed with a 6-0 road win Oct. 22 against the No. 7-ranked Estacada High Rangers (7-2 TVC, 10-3-1 overall).
“The girls played really well against Estacada, and it was their best overall performance of the year. It’s quite an accomplishment to win another league title,” Tonn said. “We’re playing well and everyone is healthy, too. It’s all about a process of improving … and not just be satisfied about getting the results on the scoreboard.”
In the match-up between the top-two TVC squads — The Dalles and Estacada — the Riverhawks were led by goalkeeper Olivia Prado in recording their 11th shutout of the season. The Riverhawks have allowed one goal this season — in a 6-1 win Oct. 1 at Molalla.
Seniors Lilyana Gonzalez (two goals), Ariana Gonzalez (two goals) and juniors Leila Garcia (goal) and Ziegenhagen (goal) helped lead the Riverhawks to the win over the Rangers. Twin sisters Ariana (19 goals, 18 assists) and Lilyana Gonzalez (14 goals, eight assists) and Ziegenhagen (16 goals, 11 assists) lead the 64-goal Riverhawks’ offensive.
The Riverhawks were seeking to extend their unbeaten streak to 13 when they faced the North Marion High Huskies in an Oct. 27 home game. The Riverhawks will play their final regular season game Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. at Madras (2-6 TVC, 4-9 overall).
The 16-team Class 4A state playoffs begin with first-round games on Nov. 4. The Riverhawks will host a first-round game against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Winners on Nov. 4 advance to the Nov. 7 quarterfinals; The Dalles would host a quarterfinal game if it advances. The Riverhawks lost 2-0 to Marist in last year’s 4A state final.
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