Wahluke dumps Goldendale Hat trick for Idanis Cruz

MATTAWA - Senior Idanis Cruz scored a hat trick Saturday to lead Wahluke's girls to a 5-2 soccer win over Goldendale and a 3-0 start to their season.

Freshman goal keeper Blanca Gutierrez had four saves in the game and continues to improve in every game, according to coach Arthur DeVictoria.

In the first game last week, the Warriors scored a 1-0 victory over the Mabton Vikings.

Cruz had an outstanding half against the Timberwolves, scoring her hat trick before intermission. Her first goal came in the third minute with an assist from Jaqueline Hidalgo.

Cruz's second goal came in the 24th minute, again with an assist from Hidalgo. Her final goal came in the 28th minute unassisted. She made a strong run up the left side of the field, cut in and fired a great shot with her right foot.

Coming out for the second half, Wahluke appeared to be a little complacent. The Warriors allowed Goldendale to get back in the game with two quick goals.

"I am glad to say that we responded with two of our own," DeVictoria said.

Zayra Hernandez scored an unassisted goal in the 53rd minute, while Rubi Gutierrez scored in the 62nd minute.

The Mabton contest was tight all the way. The offense created some chances, and the defense held firm against a good Mabton team.

Junior Sandra Martinez scored the lone goal of the game in the 9th minute, with an assist from sophomore Carmen Ramos.

Ramos played the ball into the path of the oncoming Martinez, who placed a solid shot into the side netting.

"Defensively we are still learning and developing as a team, with captain Fatima Romero as the sole senior in the back line," DeVictoria said.

The Warriors begin SCAC play today with Royal at 4 p.m. on the Wahluke field.