Bruin girls soccer holds on and usurps the Monarchs

After a two-goal first half Tuesday afternoon, the Brookings-Harbor High School varsity girls soccer team held off the Umpqua Valley Christian School Monarchs for a 2-0 victory at BHHS.

With the win BHHS is now the only team in the 4A Special District 3 without a loss or tie on its season record and is in the driver’s seat for a district title.

During the opening minutes of Tuesday’s game, the Bruins did something Head Coach Cindy Babcock has been hoping for – and coaching toward – all season.

By controlling the ball, the Bruins put themselves in advantageous situations.

“They made great opportunities for shots,” Babcock said.

And those shots found the net. At 15 minutes, 30 seconds after a Bruin goal was waved off due to an offsides penalty, junior Tiani Mitani notched the scoreboard.

“It was a wonderful way to start,” Babcock said. “And credit (Jillian McCool’s) great placement and (Mitani’s) hard work that capitalized on it.”

McCool was credited for an assist on the goal.

The Bruins pressed the Monarchs for the remainder of the first half and punched in goal two one minute before intermission. Ashley Juarez booted a frozen rope from 50 feet for the Bruins’ second score.

“(Juarez) has changed position, but she can still score because she’s got that leg,” Babcock said, referencing Juarez’s switch from forward to midfielder this season.

During the second half the Bruins couldn’t muster anymore scores, but their defense did a great job maintaining the lead, Babcock said.

According to Babcock, Lynette Ochoa was helpful in that regard.

“(Ochoa) did an excellent job of standing up to their big, tall players,” she said.

Goal keeping was also at a premium. Babcock said junior goalie Emilee Bottoms did a fantastic job Tuesday shutting out the Monarchs.

“(Bottoms) really saved us when (the Monarchs) made it through our defense,” she said. “It’s a very comforting feeling to have her back there.”

Babcock said in Tuesday’s game the Bruins stepped up their game again and that she hopes that’s true of every game this season.

The next chance for the Bruins to take it to the next level will be Thursday, Sept. 24, at home versus Sutherlin.