James Ito kicks in his second goal past goalkeeper Haden Alexander in the 12th minute of the Annual Louie Cernicek Memorial Soccer Tournament Saturday on Sullivan Field. His first goal came in the 1st minute. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Kenny Linn snags a corner kick by Artesia. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

SPORTS News:

The Los Alamos High School Hilltoppers on Friday and Saturday hosted the Annual Louie Cernicek Memorial Soccer Tournament on Sullivan Field.

The tournament was action-packed for the Toppers. They opened with a solid 1-0 win against Artesia on Friday morning, securing their place in the winners’ bracket.

Saturday morning brought excitement in their matchup against Capital. The Toppers were playing strong, but two questionable penalty kick calls gave the Jaguars a 2-0 lead, deflating the momentum. Still, the Toppers kept fighting, cutting the Jaguars’ lead to one goal.

In the second half, however, the Jaguars found the back of the net two more times to secure the win.

In the consolation matchup, the Hilltoppers were determined to take home 3rd place—and did so with a dominating 4-1 victory over Lovington.

Diego Sena fights for possession of the ball. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

Connor Lattimore takes a shot on goal. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

James Ito celebrates with Uriah Martinez after his goal. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

In the consolation match, James Ito reels in a ball down the sideline. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

Rylee Gramer extends the Toppers’ lead against Lovington. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com