Othello soccer wallops Wapato, falls to Ephrata

Bob Barrett Photo Othello goal keeper Jenelle Garza dives to her right to block a shot by Ephrata's Bekah Schmuck.

Bob Barrett PhotoOthello midfielder Jazlyhn Verduzco beats Ephrata defender Madison Maedke (6) and boots the ball under the reach of goal keeper Courtney Richardson.

by Bob Barrett Sun Tribune Sports
| September 21, 2016 4:00 PM

Bob Barrett PhotoOthello midfielder Jazlyhn Verduzco beats Ephrata defender Madison Maedke (6) and boots the ball under the reach of goal keeper Courtney Richardson.

OTHELLO – The Othello Huskie soccer team conquered the Wapato Wolves 5-1 on the road last Thursday, but dropped a 4-2 home decision Saturday to Ephrata.

Nikki Velazquez booted home three goals to power the Huskies to the road victory at Wapato. She recorded two goals in the first half.

Kaylee Martinez added a third Othello goal in the first half. Elena Mendoza pitched in with a late goal in the 78th minute as the Huskies coasted to the easy win.

“It was a good win at Wapato,” Huskie coach Bernie Garza said. “Our defense was solid.

Othello goalie Jenelle Garza was credited with five saves against the Wolves. The only goal the Huskies allowed was on a penalty kick.

Visiting Early struck early at Huskie Stadium. Mya Spencer scored the first of three goals in the third minute to give Ephrata an early 1-0 advantage.

The Huskies evened the score at the 5-minute mark when sophomore midfielder Jazlyn Verduzco punched home a beautiful cross from senior forward Nikki Velazquez.

Ephrata scored two goals in the last two minutes of the first half to open up a 4-1 advantage at the break.

“Ephrata pressured us and made us pay for our defensive mistakes,” Garza said. “Those two goals right before half killed us.”

Othello hosts Toppenish today. The Wildcats are 2-3.