Warriors enjoy big second half in win over Colony girls

WASILLA ¬— Wasilla head coach Patrick O’Neill saw something different in his team during the second half of its match against Northern Lights Conference and Valley rival Colony. It wasn’t only the six extra goals the Warriors scored against the Knights, but the way Wasilla was able to put together those scoring plays.

Wasilla, which led 1-0 at halftime, scored six times during the final 40 minutes to post a 7-0 win over CHS Tuesday at Wasilla High.

“We talked at the half about playing more as a unit, instead of kicking it, running after it, and trying to do it ourselves,” O’Neill said after the win.

O’Neill saw consistent scoring opportunities in both halves, but the team concept allowed WHS to capitalize, he said.

“Sooner or later, you’re going to finish. But it’s about playing as a team, moving as a unit, making sure you’re not trying to do everything yourself,” O’Neill said.

Wasilla junior captain Alexa Starr gave the Warriors the early lead, scoring in the first minute of play. But the Warriors were not able to break the game open until the second half. Starr notched her second goal of the game eight mintues into the second half. Five minutes later, Alia Donnely scored to give the Warriors the 3-0 lead.

In the 60th minute, Lydia Phillips scored her first goal of the season to push Wasilla’s lead to 4-0. Alexis Abbott scored twice during a seven-minute span, and Wasilla led by a half dozen. Abbott’s first goal came via the penalty kick.

During the 72nd minute, Abbott tucked a shot inside the left post to give Wasilla a 6-0 lead. Two minutes later, Merit Paramo scored the first goal of her season to round out the scoring.

O’Neill said he was happy to see five different Warriors with goals in the game.

“What we’re striving for is balanced scoring,” O’Neill said.

Contact sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@fronteirsman.com.