Griz face first loss of season

It’s been a strong start for girls soccer at Mariposa County High School.

Having played three league matches, the team sat with 1-1-1 record in league and 3-1-3 overall as of Jan. 4.

The group traveled to Waterford to face the Wildcats on Dec. 16 where they came out on top 3-1.

The Grizzlies goals came courtesy of freshmen Whitney Marcis and Alicia Garcia, who continue to lead the way in goal scoring for MCHS.

On Dec. 19, the Grizzlies went up against the Chieftains from Sierra where they achieved a season high score of 9-1.

Garcia had five goals for MCHS while Juno Pike, Marcis, Juniper Helling and Bailee Wenger also put the ball in goal.

Cora Grasso had two assists while Rio Pelote contributed with three assists and Marley Gedimen with one assist.

The Knights from Stone Ridge Christian were the visiting team at MCHS on Jan. 2 where the Grizzlies had a rough time getting going.

Stone Ridge Christian handed the Grizzlies their first loss of the season with a final score of 6-1.

Pike scored the lone goal for MCHS and Nailee Gonzalez earned the assist.

Goaltender Izzy Remington recorded 25 saves.

“They played stronger in the second half,” said coach Katie Pike.

“They were just a little off tonight.”

The Grizzlies started slow and couldn’t seem to find much momentum.

“In the first half they had some really good ball movement at times but they were getting shutdown in the middle,” said assistant coach Jamie Casner.

The team made some adjustments at halftime to counter Stone Ridge Christian.

“Having four defenders in the back is really important,” Casner said.

“It really helped to shutdown their offensive players and they scored less in the second half.”

On Jan. 6 the Grizzlies faced the Reds from Gustine at MCHS.

Results were not available at press time.

Next up, MCHS will face Waterford on Grizzly Field on Jan. 13.

Game time is 5 p.m.