WSOC | Kodiaks shut-out Rattlers 4-0
October 7, 2018 – The Kodiaks and Rattlers faced off in Lethbridge on Sunday, with both teams looking to enter Thanksgiving on a winning note. In the end it was a hat trick from a Kodiaks veteran that propelled the home side to victory.
Vicki Noronha scored three times, including twice in the second half, to help the Kodiaks defeat their Highway 3 rivals 4-0.
It was a game the Kodiaks needed to win to keep pace in the south division playoff race, and they did everything but score in the early going. Lethbridge outshot MHC 16-4 in the first half but struggled to beat Rattlers keeper Kassidy Suberlak. Kodiaks rookie sensation Bryce Sherring and sophomore standout Christine Moser came close early on, both spiking balls off the crossbar.
Just as the Kodiaks appeared to be getting anxious at their lack of finish, Noronha finally broke through in the 35th minute, chipping in a perfect pass from Sherring to make it 1-nil.
Determined to tie the match, the Rattlers came out strong to start out the second half but the Kodiaks strong possession game steadily resulted in chance after chance.
Noronha finally broke the game open in the 54th minute, taking a pass from Stephanie Klassen and converting it past Suberlak to score her second goal of the game.
Christine Moser struck two minutes later, shooting in a laser beam from distance that rang off the cross bar and in to give the Kodiaks a firm 3-0 lead.
The Kodiaks continued to capitalize on their momentum, launching a barrage of shots on the Rattlers net. Noronha had another close call, bouncing a shot off the cross bar and nearly putting it in with a header.
Noronha wouldn't be denied her hat trick, however, heading in her third of the game off a cross pass from Sydney Hope in the 78th minute, solidifying the Kodiaks win.
With the victory the Kodiaks advance their record to 5-3-1, good for third in the ACAC south division. The Rattlers fall to 1-7-1.
The Kodiaks are back in action next Saturday as they take on the Ambrose Lions in Calgary.
Players of the Game:
Rattlers – #6 Crystal Siewert
Kodiaks – #14 Vicki Noronha