Monarch’s triumph in battle of the Valleys

Valley College women’s soccer played through scorching heat at home and managed to stay on top of their game.

By Nicholas Orozco, Sports Editor

Fellow Monarchs congratulate Karen Hernandez for scoring first goal of the season and praise Melanie Vasquez for assisting. (The Valley Star, Griffin O'Rourke)

Melanie Velasquez started the season off hot on Tuesday, leading the Lady Monarchs to a 3-0 victory over Victor Valley amid a summer heat wave.

The Monarchs (1-0) women’s soccer kicked off their season at home on Tuesday versus the Rams of Victor Valley (0-2). As the season began, the women of Valley College were looking to start off strong and defend at their home field.

“Coming out, the girls exceeded our expectations. They connected a ton,” said associate head coach Greg Vegner following the match.

Prior to kick off the heat touched 95 degrees with a high of 97 during playing time. The Rams and Monarchs agreed to have breaks in the middle of play time to allow the players to hydrate and cool off, then return to normal play.

The Monarchs came out aggressive right as the kickoff whistle blew. Despite the Rams starting off with possession, Valley had taken five shots within the first ten minutes of the match.

Scoring started early for the Monarchs. In the 12th minute forward Melanie Velasquez managed to break through the middle and pass to forward Karen Hernandez, who put the ball into the back of the net.

“By staying 1-0 at half, it kinda kept some good fight in them,” said Vegner.

Valley held the Rams off going into halftime, not allowing shots on goal and dominating possession. While they kept the ball on the offensive, they also did struggle to finish some key opportunities to score.

Valley’s game plan did not change in the second half. The Lady Monarchs took advantage of beginning the half with possession and they continued to keep the ball on the offensive, forcing Victor Valley to play the defensive.

At the 63 minute mark, the Monarch’s displayed their speed and magic with the ball. As Velasquez managed to slip through two defenders and the goalie, she managed to tap the ball into the goal, making the score 2-0 for the Monarchs.

Continuing to keep the Rams on their toes, the Monarchs managed to extend their lead further before the full time whistle blew. In the 81st minute, the visiting foes struggled to hold off Valley. As midfielder Katherine Lopez managed to force an own goal upon the visiting Victor Valley.

As the final whistle blew, the ladies celebrated with cheers as their first game of the season ended, winning via the score of 3-0.

The Lady Monarchs travel to College of the Desert on Friday at 5:00 pm.