Warden Cougars fall short of state tournament

YAKIMA - Warden girls soccer ended its season one win shy of qualifying for the state tournament.

The Cougars lost in a shootout to Connell, 2-1, in the third place match.

"The one goal especially the seniors had coming in was to try to make that state tournament," head coach Don Edson said. "We came up one game short, but I think the season overall has been a really good success for us."

Forward Jennifer Mendoza scored the lone goal for the Cougars off an assist from midfielder BryLee Whitney. Mendoza and Whitney were both named to the South Central Athletic Conference All-League first team and Whitney was also named league MVP.

Warden closed the regular season winning 10 of 11 matches, but could never find a way to knock off the elite teams in the SCAC.

"As far as those games with Connell, it was so close," Edson said. "They put a lot of girls back playing defense. It just makes it really difficult when there's so many players back and back behind the ball all the time. You just have to be a little bit better."

After losing to La Salle in the district tournament in 2012, the Cougars were able to improve and advance to the third place match this season.

Edson believes his team can continue to work toward a state tournament berth, especially with the young talent he has returning next season.

"The core of the team is there," he said. "A lot of the key positions we still have players that can play and that are valuable. Another year of experience is huge."

Goal keeper Deianeira Caudle joined Mendoza and Whitney on the SCAC All-League first team. Midfielders Brenna Whitney and Savanna Edson as well as defender Rebekah Richins were given second team honors.