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The ball was passed into both Grizzly and Panther territory until it was shot into the Porterville goal by junior, Gaby Ayala, then kicked out by a defender and was not counted.

“The goal totally hit the net,” said sophomore forward, Mercedes Steidley. “If it passes the line, it’s a goal. The ref was blind.”

The remainder of the half was uneventful to the score, as the ball was crossed back and forth.

A few close shots were blocked by senior goalie, Sonia Stewart, then chipped out of the danger zone by defense.

Steidley controlled the ball for a one-on-one with the goalie when the half whistle blew and the girls vacated the field. Spectators could hear the Grizzly coach, Gabe Rodriguez, yelling to the ref that the whistle was three minutes early.

Though the ball was in the Grizzlies control, the ref called for a drop kick. The ball was won by Steidley and the game continued for the rest of the true half.

The Lady Grizzlies were steamed up for win.

The second half was a bloody battle as fouls were called, profanities exchanged, and hopes soared high.

Senior defender, Andrea Rodriguez, shut down several Porterville players as they tried to cross the ball in for a goal.

“We beasted it out there,” said Rodriguez. “We dropped a couple girls; we’re dangerous.”

With less than 10 minutes on the clock, Porterville kicked the ball was past Granite defenders for a goal.

The Granite girls crushed Porterville’s chances of a second goal as they kept the ball in Panther territory, where they gained many goal opportunities, but none were made in the net.

The final whistle blew and the girls stepped off the field defeated by a score of 0-1.

“It’s tough to lose a close one against rivals, but I’m proud of my girls,” said Rodriguez. “We played well enough but you can’t win them all.”

Though it was not reflected in the score, the Lady Grizzlies played their game.

“We played well and that’s what we’re going to do in playoffs,” said junior midfielder, Carolina Reyes.

The Lady Grizzlies will next face Cesar Chavez on Mon., Feb. 8, at home at 6.