Hawks crushed by TRAC power

By Nugesse Ghebrendrias The Madera Tribune CLOVIS — The Liberty Hawks girls soccer team conceded goals twice in the second half en route to a 3-0 non-conference loss to the Clovis High Cougars away at Lamonica Stadium.

Liberty freshman goalkeeper Carly Tynan finished the match with 15 saves in a good showing against a strong attacking team. The Cougars jumped on the Hawks early before adding two more in what was a hard-fought match.

Tynan gave her all throughout the 80 minutes but couldn’t keep a clean sheet against one of the stronger teams in the TRAC conference. Coming into the matchup, the Cougars had won two of three at home with a goal differential of 10 after the contest.

Although the Hawks had their chances through Brooke Wristen, Holly Strong and others, the Cougars had the game in their grasp early. Within the first 12 minutes of the match, Clovis already took the advantage.

The swing in momentum forced the Hawks to play from behind and ultimately led to a bigger deficit.

Liberty had a chance to even the game just before the half after Wristen latched onto a long ball forward, but couldn’t get a shot away after the Cougar keeper smartly charged the ball and safely smothered it.

The Hawks came out of the break down a goal, but couldn’t overcome Clovis’ early advantage.

The Cougars teamwork allowed them more time on the ball within the Hawks final third.

Clovis High made it 2-0 in the second half and rode their wave of momentum until their third goal of the match effectively ended the contest.