Lady Blackhawks kick off season right

The Cheney High School girls soccer team kicked of the season on the right foot, snapping up two wins in less than a week.

First, the Lady Blackhawks took on University High School in a non-league match on Tuesday, Sept. 10 in a fierce battle that pushed into overtime. Neither team managed to score in the first half in a back and forth game that ultimately saw the Titans and the Blackhawks both take 10 shots at the goal.

University’s goalkeeper made eight saves, while Cheney’s relatively new, underclassman goalkeepers split the saves, with Sydney Reagan making five and Sydney McCarthy taking four.

The match heated up in the second half, with U-High scoring in the 67th minute, quickly followed by a Cheney goal by senior forward Mackenzie Huotari in the 78th minute. That pushed the game into overtime, with Cheney junior forward Makenna Benson delivering the last goal in overtime and clinching a 2-1 Blackhawk victory.

The team followed that performance with a blowout match against East Valley on Thursday, Sept. 12. Cheney’s senior midfielder Emma Scott scored almost immediately, setting the tone for a game that would highlight the Lady Blackhawk offense. Cheney’s Jocelyn Cone delivered the second goal of the first half in the 33rd minute.

The offensive onslaught continued in the second half, with Cheney’s Makenna Benson earning a goal in the 47th minute thanks to an assist from junior Lauryn Woller. In the 66th minute, the Lady Blackhawks delivered the final blow, a fourth goal by Lauren Hinrichs. Hinrichs was assisted by Cone, assuring the Lady Blackhawk’s 4-0 victory.

The team did stumble against Ferris High School in a non-league game on Saturday, Sept. 14. Saxon Shantae Cutler scored on a cross from Avery Sison, allowing the Saxons to beat the visiting Blackhawks 1-0. Ferris offense made the most of its opportunities, taking five shots to Cheney’s seven.

As of press time, the team was set to face Pullman Sept. 17.