On Apr. 2 , the Rock Ridge girls soccer team played the Justice Wolves at home. Within the first two minutes of the game, senior Kate Gutshall (17) scored a goal on the Wolves, putting the Phoenix up.  As the first half continued, no goals were allowed, with the possession of the ball constantly changing, halting the score at 1-0 Phoenix. Gutshall continued her dominance, however, scoring three goals and leading the Phoenix to a 3-1 victory.

During the first half, the Phoenix were able to defend against the Wolves’ offense and successfully stay in the lead until halftime with the help of goalie junior Leillah Kafumbe. “I think it went really well [and] I think we had a good connection and played well together [during] this game,” freshman Emerson Hagler (18) said.

As the second half started the Phoenix continued to play aggressively and were focused on defense with the ball stuck on their side. As the game progressed, the Phoenix quickly moved the ball towards the other side of the field and scored two more points, both of them by Gutshall, therefore getting a hat trick. This put the Phoenix up leading 3-0. “I like how it’s a team sport and being all together; I think it’s more fun that way,” freshman Anshika Atluri (4) said. 

Shortly after the Phoenix scored, the Wolves scored but were unable to catch up by the end of the game leaving the Phoenix up at 3-1.

Despite many close calls, the Wolves were unable to score on the Phoenix in the remainder of the game,  r allowing the Phoenix  to achieve their first win of the season. “I feel really excited; I’m really proud of our team for winning,” freshman Pranikaa Yedati (31) said. “I think we have been working so hard for so long and it finally paid off.” 

The Phoenix will play their next game on Apr. 10 against Dominion.