Golden Eagles rally in second half for first win

LEMOORE – It has a been a tough start to the 2023 season for the West Hills College Lemoore women's soccer team. But on Tuesday, the Golden Eagles came together to play its finest game of the year and rallied in the second half to defeat visiting Sacramento City College by a final score of 3-2 in the WHCL's home opener.

Sophomore Brandi Valdez, freshman Irene Zamora, and sophomore Irene Zamorano all scored a goal and had an assist while freshman goalkeeper Mariah Zuniga put together a solid match to help lead the Golden Eagles to the victory.

West Hills scored first, getting a goal from Valdez off the assist from Samantha Salinas in the 45th minute, to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Sacramento City evened up the contest with a goal in the 48th minute. But Zamora supplied the equalizer thanks to the assist from Valdez in the 66th minute. And Zamorano put the Golden Eagles ahead for good, scoring what proved to be the game-winner in the 73rd minute off the assist from Zamora.

The Panthers scored late in the 79th minute to get within a goal but the West Hills defense and Zuniga were able to hang on for the win. Zuniga had a big game in goal, collecting a season-high 12 saves.

The win improved West Hills to 1-2 overall. WHCL is back in action on Friday (Sep. 8) when it hosts Modesto Junior College in a non-conference game.