NADEN NETS HAT TRICK IN WIN OVER SHARKS

By Robert Balajadia

Both the Southern Dolphins and Sanchez Sharks entered Wednesday without a loss at 3-0-1, but Southern’s freshman star Colleen Naden’s hat trick and two big goals by Zoe Surber gave the Dolphins the 5-2 victory over the Sharks.

The Sharks struck first blood in the game when Janell Guiao received a great ball and took a shot that sailed over Dolphins goalie Lorraina Sanchez for the games first score.

Southern Dolphins’ Colleen Naden takes control of the ball while reading the defense. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

The Dolphins immediately responded when Naden scored her teams first goal after missing her first three chances. The midfielders led Naden with a great pass through the Sharks defense where Naden out ran everyone to the ball to tie the game in the first half.

Not long after, teammate Zoe Surber took advantage of a ball sent forth from the defense to score the games second goal. With the two teams entering the day with the same record, Surber admitted nerves and a little bit of pressure where cause of the slow start.

“We definitely had to worry about a few key Sanchez players. Our coaches kept telling us that they want it just as bad as we do. We’ve been working really hard this season and we want another championship. I got a lot of help from my teammates today and they are the reason I score and vice versa with everyone else who scores,” said Surber.

The Dolphins appeared to hit a stride with seconds left in the first half when Naden found herself one-on-one once again before getting through the defense and slipping a shot past the Sharks goalie to go up 3-1.

Southern did not take their foot off the gas pedal in the second half as Surber used a nifty move to quickly up the score 4-1 appearing to put the game out of reach.

Sanchez never let up and put constant pressure on the Dolphins’ goalie Sanchez for majority of the second half as they tried to claw their way back from the large deficit.

Abbey Iriarte then lined up a shot from the corner just outside the goal box and slammed a rocket right over the Dolphin defense and too high for Sanchez to locate trimming the lead 4-2. A strong defensive stand from the Dolphins, led by goalie Lorraina, prevented the Sharks from cutting into the lead.

Zoe Surber aims to the corner of the goal for the score. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Southern then capitalized on a throw in opportunity as Surber launched a perfect pass to Naden, who again found herself racing with a single defender before she sent a her third goal of the evening right past the Sanchez goalie.

Naden’s strong season continues to carry through and the freshman sensation feels liker her success thus far is only helping her perform better through out the season.

“In Robbie Webber I have more control, but in high school there is more competition because every time I get the ball I have three girls on me and more coming to apply pressure so it helps me out with control and I’m learning when to distribute the ball.”

Southern improves to 4-0-1 while Sanchez falls to 3-1-1 after suffering their first loss.

PHOTO GALLERY

Dolphins’ Zoe Surber outruns the Sharks defense on her way to a score. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Dolphins’ Colleen Naden battles through a tough Sharks defense. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Dolphins’ Zoe Surber nets her second goal of the evening. (photo by Robert Balajadia)