Girls Soccer: Stormy Weather Leads to a Draw on Senior Night in Poway

Chilly temperatures and rainy weather could not stop the action on the field from heating up Wednesday as Poway High battled Westview to a 1-1 tie in a key Palomar League soccer game.

This was the last regular-season home game for the Titans, and 11 seniors were honored on Senior Night. The 15 seniors on the Westview squad also were recognized before the game.

The Wolverines (13-4-5, 6-1-3 in league) jumped out to a quick lead, using their speed to put the pressure on the Titans defense.

Just nine minutes into the game, Westview struck first on the counter attack. Amanda Hardy crossed the ball to a cutting Alyson Rohane in front of the goal and got just enough foot on it to redirect the ball around Kara Stickney for a 1-0 Westview lead.

“At that point we had good momentum,” Rohane said. “If we would have kept it going, we could have got a few more goals tonight.”

Poway would battle back.

After several good chances, the Titans (13-7-2, 5-2-2) were finally able to break through after Maegan Macasa was fouled just to the left of the Wolverines goal box. On the ensuing penalty kick, Jenna Pellegrino made an outstanding shot over the top of Wolverines keeper Ariana Zargarian and into the upper right corner of the net.

The kick was at a difficult angle, but that didn’t stop Pellegrino from trying it.

“I was just looking at the back post, and I knew it’d be hard for the goalie to make a save if I placed it right,” said the Titans' senior captain. “It gave us the confidence we needed heading into the second half.”

In the second half, both teams created good offensive opportunities but struggled to find the back of the net.

With 25 minutes to go in the game the rain really started to come down. As the fans on hand reached for their umbrellas, the Titans started to put on the pressure. Olivia Jenkins took a shot that bounced off the post, then Cecily Gilson had a shot that went just wide.

“I felt we had some great scoring opportunities, but we just couldn’t put them away,” said Poway Coach Jen Lalor-Nielsen. “All in all, we weathered a lot of storms tonight, and I’m happy with the tie.”

With under five minutes left, Westview had several chances of their own, but the Titans’ defense was up to the task as both teams went scoreless in the final 40 minutes of play.

“We had the chances to win tonight, and I thought we could take care of it,” said Westview coach Peter Stogsdill. “We just couldn’t get that last touch for the victory.”

Westview has finished league play at 6-1-3, and would win the title with a Torrey Pines loss to Ramona on Friday. But the Falcons (16-2-4, 6-1-2) can take the championship with a victory or share it with Westview should they tie Ramona.

Poway finishes up league play Friday at Rancho Bernardo. Playoff pairings will be announced on Saturday afternoon.

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Follow the Titans girls soccer team on its website or MaxPreps page.