Medford, OR — Coming into this week the Challenger ladies knew they'd need to communicate more, have faster touches and passes, and be more aggressive. In the first 25 minutes everyone could tell that we were ready mentally and physically. Both teams battled, having great defensive efforts as well as shots on goal. The trio of Aubrey Hess, Jordynn Jones, and Emma Coats found great purchase up the side, creating multiple shots on goal. Josie Scaglione had a good day against a tough side; in the first half cutting off 3 crosses and saving 3 shots, but 2 goals were able to get by in the 29th and 32nd minute. The ladies did not give up and continued to play their game, even after taking hit after hit. Mae Ferriera and Jordynn Jones showed incredible grit in the defensive half, being tackled and pulled down on numerous occasions. In the second half the Challengers pressed the attack nearly scoring 10 minutes in from a breakaway by Emma Coats. Unfortunately Coats had to leave the game early due to a muscle strain. Taylor Folin and Angelica Arce also in the forwards positions, had several efforts on goal themselves they were unable to convert for a score. Then in the second half, North Valley had two lucky scores. First on a breakaway that was deflected three times by CCHS defenders, before landing at the striker's feet and shooting it top corner. Second, when a low shot through traffic ricochetted past Scaglione as the sun set forcing her to stare into the blinding light. Scaglione and the defensive line composed of Maddie Winters, Ryann DeBoer, Amelia Vanlandingham, Brynn Coppedge, and Mae Ferriera still played great, with Scaglione saving 3 incredible shots from breakaways and set pieces that included a wonderful diving save. We saw great moments of tenacity and competitiveness as the lady Challengers never gave up and gave North Valley (top ranked conference team) a decent scare. Thursday we face Sutherlin, another tough matchup we are ready to battle in.