After 15 shot attempts, the Laguna Blanca Owls still couldn’t find the net at home Thursday afternoon, drawing with Channel Islands 1-1 .
“The ball didn’t want to go in – it happens,” summed up Laguna head coach Gregg Luna.
Channel Islands goalie Maria Contreras made a save on Mckenzie Scarborough's shot in the first half
The Owls (5-2-1) outshot the Raiders 8-5 and 7-2 in each half, respectively.
Channel Islands keeper Maria Contreras shut down Laguna’s best shot at a win midway through the first half on a point blank attempt by midfielder Mckenzie Scarborough. Contreras finished the game with three saves.
“She’s a blessing in disguise,” Raiders coach Emily Hall said of her first-year goalie.
Coming off of three straight losses, Hall was satisfied with her team’s discipline amid the lack of cohesiveness in recent weeks.
“Before each game I never know who’s going to show up,” Hall said. “But today was a good day.”
Despite the failed shot attempts, Luna was also pleased that Laguna, a Division-VII team, stepped up against Channel Islands, a Division-II opponent. Divisions are determined by how many students attend the school.
“We’re getting ready for league, and we’re getting better as we go on,” said Luna.
“The effort was there, but we’re definitely a work in progress,” midfielder Kelsey Douglas added. Thursday was also Douglas’ 17th birthday. The team celebrated with cupcakes and birthday cheers following the tilt.
The Owls will host Grace Brethren after the winter break in their next game on Jan. 6. The Raiders (3-5-2) will open their regular season on the road Jan. 7 against the Pacifica Tritons.
