Although it took a complete game and two overtime periods, the No. 3 Yellowjackets triumphed 4-3 over No. 6 Willows in the first round of the Northern Section CIF Division III soccer playoffs last Thursday at home.
A surprisingly close match given that Williams had shutout the No. 6 Honkers 8-0 in December, this time the Yellowjackets required some second half heroics to secure the victory.
Brisa Garcia struck for the initial goal of her brace in the first half to give the ‘Jackets a 1-0 lead, but Willows rallied for three scores in the second half to take the lead.
Finding themselves down 3-1, Isabella Santillan put two in the back of the net to tie the score and ultimately save the match for Williams.
Then, following a scoreless first overtime period, Garcia booted the match winner that kept the Yellowjackets season alive.
As a result, Williams advanced to the semifinal round on Feb. 21, when they traveled to meet No. 2 Hamilton City, the Mid-Valley League champion and the only team to defeat the Yellowjackets in conference play.
The Jackets saw their season come to an end on Tuesday as they dropped their semifinal match to No. 1 winters 8-0. ■