Warden headed to districts as No. 2 seed
Warden forward Jennifer Mendoza (1) dribbles past a Mabton defender during the Cougars' 4-0 win Oct. 10. Warden begins the District 5 1A tournament Saturday against Cle Elum/Roslyn at home.
WARDEN - After beginning the season 1-3, Warden heads into the District 5 1A tournament having won 10 out of its last 11 matches.
The Cougars' only loss in that stretch came against Connell, who finished unbeaten in the South Central Athletic Conference league play at 10-0 and 13-3 overall.
Warden finished the season 8-2 in the SCAC and 11-4 overall, good for second place in the East division. As the No. 2 seed, the Cougars host Cle-Elum/Roslyn in the first round of the district tournament. The Warriors beat the Cougars in Warden in the second game of the season, 4-3. Warden will have to rebound if it hopes for a state berth, as only the top three finishers in the district tournament move on to the state tournament.
Midfielders BryLee Whitney and Heidy Gonzales will look to be a focal point on offense for the Cougars. Last week in Warden's two league wins over Kiona-Benton and Wahluke, Whitney and Gonzales totalled five and three goals, respectively. Against Wahluke, Whitney recorded a hat trick.
Saturday's match against Cle-Elum is scheduled for an 11 a.m. start. Warden will advance to play La Salle Nov. 5 with a win against the Warriors.