A break in the clouds gave the Clear Creek Middle School Bobcats and Lady Cats a chance to take the field for a soccer match against Pickens.
The Bobcats scored early and held on for a 1-0 win over the Dragons. The Lady Cats got back in the win column for the first time since the 2017 season and topped the Dragonettes, 2-1.
“For the first game of the season and without being able to practice much recently because of weather, the boys did a great job in executing the game plan,” coach Aaron Evans said of the Bobcats. “It was a great, hard-fought win in which the team did well in passing the ball and moving into open spaces. I am proud of the whole team and look forward to building off of this performance.”
Evans praised Cristian Oxlaj for his lightning-quick goal two minutes into the game and Alex Tercero for his hustle.
“Alex provided security in the defense and would also join in the attack when we had possession in the final third. Overall, it was a great team performance,” he said.
Carly Becerra put the Lady Cats ahead 1-0 with a goal at the midpoint of the first half after collecting a pass from teammate Faith Goodwin.
Becerra provided an assist in the second half, and Sophia Lykins gave CCMS a two-goal advantage.
PCMS scored with 10 minutes left in the game, but the Cats did not surrender their lead.
“Our defense took this on as a challenge and was determined to not let it happen again for the remaining time,” said coach Megan Rickman. “Our goalie, Madeline Plante, along with her defense, Amalia Perez-Escobar, Yennifer Lopez, Linda Tercero and Leticia Tercero, were able to stop Pickens from scoring.
“The Lady Cats played a hard-fought game against a tough opponent. This win broke a losing streak of at least 10-12 straight games from the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The last time the Lady Cats won a game was the 2017 championship, and we are hoping to be able to make it back there. I am very proud of the Lady Cats for their efforts and ability.
“We have some things to work on before our next game, but we are looking forward to the rest of the season.”