KELSEYVILLE >> Kelseyville just missed a shutout while beating Clear Lake 2-1 in a North Central League I girls’ soccer battle with playoff implications on Thursday afternoon in Kelseyville.
Goals by Kat Brown in the first half and Megan Touros in the second half, both assisted by Maria Verdugo, gave the Knights a 2-0 lead until stoppage time in the second half when Clear Lake finally scored. The game ended moments later.
With both teams fighting for an at-large berth in next week’s North Coast Section Division III playoffs, Kelseyville (6-4-3) gained the upper hand with its win as the loss dropped Clear Lake to 5-6-3 in the league standings. The Knights close out their league schedule Saturday in Lower Lake at 11 a.m.
“The kids came into the game with two goals,” Kelseyville coach Eric Hoefler said. “To beat Clear Lake and to knock them out of the playoffs.”
In other action Thursday:
Boys’ soccer
M’town 3, Cloverdale 0
At Middletown, Jorge Morales scored once in each half and the Middletown Mustangs closed out their best NCL I season ever by shutting out the Cloverdale Eagles. Jake Samson also scored for Middletown (6-3-3), which will apply for an at-large berth in next week’s sectional playoffs.
“It was a great way to finish the (regular) season,” Middletown coach Luis Chairez said. “I’m really happy with how we played.”
Middletown’s defense stymied the Eagles.
“My keeper did a great job,” Chairez said of Trevor Smith.
Willits 2, Lower Lake 0
At Willits, the Willits Wolverines scored two first-half goals and beat the Lower Lake Trojans (3-8), who weren’t exactly thrilled with the officiating after a goal by Lower Lake’s Efrain Santana in the second half was wiped out by a questionable offsides call, according to coach Dan Griffin.
Willits’ second goal of the first half should have been negated by offsides, but no such goal was forthcoming, according to Griffin. “Just call it both ways,” Griffin said.
Lower Lake hosts league champion Kelseyville on Saturday in the NCL I finale for both teams.
Volleyball
Clear Lake def. Lower Lake
At Lakeport, after struggling to a five-set win over Lower Lake when the two teams last met on Oct. 6, the Clear Lake Cardinals had no such problem in the rematch, sweeping the Trojans 25-11, 25-12, 27-25 in NCL I action.
Clear Lake is 9-3 in league play with matches remaining against St. Helena and Kelseyville.
Rachel Wingler led the Cardinals with 10 kills and 10 digs. Maddie West added six kills as did Jasmine Rice while celebrating her 16th birthday. Alicia Ledesma had 10 digs.
Clear Lake’s undefeated junior varsity squad improved to 12-0 in league action with a 25-14, 25-8 win. Kiana Richardson and Camille Donald led the Cardinals with four kills apiece.
St. Helena def. M’town
At Middletown, after playing well in the first set and winning, the Middletown Mustangs couldn’t keep their legs underneath them and St. Helena rallied for a 23-25, 25-13, 25-20, 25-18 win.
“Playing three matches a week is exhausting,” Middletown coach Jennifer Breiner said. “We just made a lot of mistakes.”
Abby Aden’s eight kills led the Mustangs. Tana Bouscal added five kills, six blocks and an ace while Emily Lescher had three kills, three blocks and three aces.
Roseland def. Upper Lake
At Santa Rosa, Roseland Prep beat Upper Lake 18-25, 25-15, 25-16, 25-21 in NCL II action.
Dakota Fugate and Brenna Sanchez had four kills apiece to lead Upper Lake and Sanchez also had two blocks. Christina Wilson led the Cougars with 22 digs while Natalie Karlsson had a team-best 13 assists.
