Box Score Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Christian University (1-1) women's soccer team used a fast start, and then held on late to earn their first victory of the season over the University of Antelope Valley (0-1) on Thursday evening.
In a contest that was shortened to 70 minutes to due weather delays, Sophomore Sarahie Torres wasted little time putting the Firestorm on the board when she scored on the chip from Sophomore Irene Ledezma at the 8:27 mark.
Sophomore Hanna Perez added to the Firestorm lead when she finished off the pass from Sophomore Veronica Cruz at the 13:52 mark.
Junior Sarah Carrell continued the offensive attack after halftime when she knocked in cross to put Arizona Christian up 3-0. The goal was assisted on by Sophomores Hannah Matthews and Irene Ledezma.
"Its always good to get the first win of the season," said Head Coach Alan Berrios. "We have been asking the girls to come out with a fast start, with energy and fight, and I thought we did that tonight. We possessed well, created multiple chances to score and finished a good percentage of our chances."
Antelope Valley managed to get on the board in the 47th minute when they found the upper right of the goal after cleaning up a loose ball.
Later, a Firestorm defensive miscue led to an own goal, and suddenly the contest was once again in question.
The Arizona Christian defense finished strong, however, over the final ten minutes of action to help the Firestorm hold on to the 3-2 victory in a contest that wasn't as close as the final score would indicate.
"I thought we had good performances from key players tonight in Irene Ledezma, Hanna Perez, Hannah Matthews, and Riki Newland," added Berrios. "Tonight was a good night for us as unit."
The Firestorm will get right back to action on Saturday when they host the University of the Southwest at 11:00 am. The contest will take place at Scottsdale Christian Academy.
