Havasu kickers win first region match

Stella Partida’s second effort on a Havasu penalty kick was the difference in the Lady Knights first region match against Peoria Tuesday, giving Havasu the 1-0 win.

“It was a penalty kick that Kaitlyn (Brunet) put over the defenders’ heads. I just controlled it and put it in,” Partida said.

Havasu’s midfield and defense, led by Brunet and Nikki Morris, was able to keep the ball out of the Lady Knights zone virtually the entire game, a task especially important as Havasu’s starting goalkeeper – Rachelle Salazar – is out following a non-game injury suffered over the winter break.

That put Alex Morris in the net and she provided a stellar performance, going perfect against the nine Panthers’ (1-1, 0-1) shots on goal.

But even with the new keeper, Havasu head coach Tim Hauenstein said he didn’t adjust the defensive scheme.

“We play solid defense and we just go out and do what do,” he said.

The win puts Havasu at 3-1 not including tournament games and 1-0 in region with another game against a West Valley Region opponent – Cactus – in Glendale Thursday.

“We are a road team,” Hauenstein said. “I don’t know if it’s the long but ride and the girls relax and joke before the game or what, but on the road we really show up.”

The Lady Knights are currently ranked 11th in the state in 4A-I play and the top-ranked team from the West Valley Region.

You may contact the reporter at dbell@havasunews.com.

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