COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Northern Section CIF Division III soccer playoffs kicked off in Colusa last Thursday when the No. 3 RedHawks entertained No. 6 Maxwell in a first-round match.
Although Colusa dominated possession throughout the contest, it required three second half goals to lift the RedHawks to a 4-1 victory over the scrappy Panthers.
A tightly contested first half saw Colusa take the early lead on a goal by Lizbet Ayala, but Maxwell knotted the score at 1-1 after Emma Hendrix drilled a penalty kick.
However, as the RedHawks applied consistent pressure for the remainder of the half, the Panthers were able to keep them at bay thanks to a valiant effort by Maxwell goalkeeper Allie Wills, who fended off a barrage of point-blank shots.
Yet, Colusa would put the game out of reach in the early moments of the second half as Ayala scored twice within the first two minutes to record a hat trick and put the RedHawks up 3-1.
Colusa then added some insurance in the 54th minute, after Janell Garcia put one in the back of the net.
Defense also played a role in the outcome with RedHawk goalkeeper Allie Reading coming up with two second half saves, including one on a penalty kick.
With the victory, the RedHawks (8-9-4) returned to action on Feb. 20 in Hamilton City against the No. 2 Braves.
As for the Panthers (1-6-2), who, in just their second season ever, appear to have a bright future, as, despite their record, they have played competitively this season.