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Nerves ran high for the girls as they watched Porterville smash Hoover in the first game of a doubleheader.

The Lady Grizzlies started with an unusual set up with five midfielders to shut the Cardinals down before they could make goal opportunities.

The Grizzlies took control of the ball in the first half but they were unable to make a goal until junior forward, Gaby Ayala, took advantage of chaos in the box and scored the first goal of the game.

The Cardinals were steamed up for revenge. The ball was passed into Granite territory and into the goal box. Senior defender, Lorina Villarreal, hustled to the ball and tried to kick it out of the danger zone. The ball reflected off of Villarreal and hit her hand. The whistle blew. Senior defender, Andrea Rodriguez, explained to the ref that it is not “hands” if the ball hits someone’s hand unintentionally, as Villarreal did, but the ref was persistent in the call. A penalty kick was shot to the corner of the goal for Lindsay’s first goal.

“It was a cheap goal,” said junior defender, Deborah Rodriguez.

The whistle blew for half time.

After a pep-talk, the Lady Grizzlies were revved up for a win.

Grizzlies immediately controlled the ball and sent countless passes and chips to the midfielders and forwards for goal opportunities.

Within the second half, freshman forward, Yadira Figueroa, shot the ball for a quick goal for the Grizzlies.

With the Grizzlies at a one-point advantage, the Cardinals’ hopes of playing another game were crushed.

The win was fortified with two more goals from Ayala.

Near the end of the second half, senior, Yesenia Samano, was shoved to the ground and sprained her ankle, though no call was made.

The final whistle blew and the Grizzlies owned the game with a score of 4-1.

“I’m proud of my team,” said Samano. “We played as a team and won as a team.”

The Lady Grizzlies will advance on in playoffs and will have the opportunity to play another game.

“I’m really proud of my girls,” said coach, Gabe Rodriguez. “Everyone played well, especially in the second half. Defense shut them down.”

Next playoff game will be away at Sierra High School. Hopefully, this won’t be the last.

Photo: Debra Rodriguez inbounding the ball.