UPPER LAKE — Battered by the flu, including one case of swine flu, early in the week, the less-than-healthy Upper Lake Cougars had no problem beating the Kelseyville Knights 9-4 in non-league varsity girls” soccer action Thursday in Upper Lake.
Yessica Ayala, who is still recovering from the flu, figured in nearly all of Upper Lake”s scoring as she had five goals and three assists.
Shayla Wyman, a freshman forward, added two goals.
“She”s a player to look out for,” Upper Lake coach Mike Sheets said.
Brianna Carter and Taryn Re also scored for the Cougars, now 2-0.
“The week is ending a whole lot better than it started,” Sheets said. “We had several kids out with the flu and one had swine flu.”
Starting defender Jaclyn Smith, a junior, was diagnosed with swine flu after she went to the hospital, according to Sheets.
“She”s doing better,” Sheets said.
Amber Sheets, the Cougars” sweeper, turned in a strong effort as did keeper Annie Martinez, who had nine saves.
“Amber wasn”t 100 percent (because of the flu), but she did a great job,” Sheets said of his daughter”s performance.
“All the girls I thought did well,” he added.
Kelseyville coach Mark Andre said his team entered the game “flat” and that he was to blame.
“The coach has to prepare them better,” Andre said. “The whole team was not too happy.”
Natasha Hardy scored twice for the Knights, now 0-2 on the season, and Monique Santana and Reme Rico also scored.
One standout for the Knights was Jamie Brownell, a midfielder/forward.
“Her play was huge,” Andre said.
