Kaelin Hanson passes the ball mid-field. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

Tirryn Sutherland makes a defensive play. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

SPORTS News:

The Los Alamos High School Hilltoppers Varsity Girls Soccer Team hosted the Albuquerque Academy Chargers Saturday at Sullivan Field for what proved to be an even matchup.

The Hilltoppers held off the Chargers for most of the first half with strong defensive play by Meredith Brown, Estella Remillieux and Jenna Montoya but went down 0-1 right before the halftime whistle blew.

The Hilltoppers continued to battle throughout the second half with Kaelin Hanson, Kylee Lovato and Dayja Fellers controlling the midfield. Their equalizer came in the 72nd minute on a fantastic finish from freshman Kylee Lovato off a pass from junior Tirryn Sutherland.

Their victory dance was short-lived when Academy scored the game winning goal 2 minutes later for a final score of 2-1.

The Hilltopper girls varsity will start their quest for a district championship this week with games in Moriarty and Taos on Tuesday and Thursday followed by a Saturday trip to Aztec for both JV and varsity.

Elianna McNiff makes a diving save. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com