Eagles draw with Air Force
MIKE MAYNARD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months, 1 week AGO
CHENEY — Eastern Washington women’s soccer ended their game against Air Force with a 2-2 draw, according to a statement by EWU athletics. The Falcons scored first, but Kendall Moore stuck back in the second half, while Noelle Raczykowski contributed a goal of her own. The Falcons found the equalizer to draw 2-2.
“We had some tactical things we wanted out of the day,” said head coach Missy Strasburg. “We really wanted to expose them high and wide against their back three, and we had a lot of success early on. But more than anything, we challenged our group on work rate and those individual battles in transition.”
The Eagles came out strong, holding much of the early possession while both sides created good chances. Air Force broke through in the 31st minute with a ball that slipped past Kamryn Willoughby to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
EWU stormed out of the break, and just five minutes in, Moore leveled the score with a clean strike from outside the 18, tucking it inside the right post. Minutes later, Noelle Raczykowski scored her first career goal from nearly the same spot, blasting home the go-ahead goal for the Eagles.
Air Force responded in the 74th minute. Raine Komata moved the ball past midfield, setting up Annika Jost in the attacking third. In a statement by Air Force athletics, Jost played the chance well and found a slot after pulling the keeper off the line to even the match at 2-2.
“I am happy with four points on the road against two tough opponents,” Air Force head coach Laura Busby said. “I was proud of the way we battled back in the second half and didn't give up after going down a goal.”
Strasburg said having Moore back made a big impact on the team after being out for six weeks.
“She's dangerous with both feet, explosive on the ball, and to see her make that impact after six weeks out couldn't make me happier,” Strasburg said.
The Eagles return to action Thursday, Sept. 11, at 9 p.m. at the University of Hawaii.
ARTICLES BY MIKE MAYNARD
Cougs’ extend win streak after win over Portland
PULLMAN — The Washington State Cougars (19-17) extended its win streak to five after defeating the University of Portland Pilots 9-3 Monday, according to a statement by WSU Athletics. Pitcher Brock Blatter was happy with his performance after coming back from a recent injury. “It felt good (to) give us a good start and stuff and get us in good position and get a win on a Monday,” Blatter said. “(I just) keep getting innings and building up my pitch count and stuff like that and continue to build each outing. (I) got four innings today and continued to build the pitch count.”
Basin diamond roundup, April 7-13
MOSES LAKE — Over the last week, we have crossed the halfway mark of the spring sports season for Basin baseball and softball. While many schools were enjoying a relaxing spring break, many others still stepped out on the diamond as they work toward the postseason. See below how your favorite teams fared and their current record.
More than basketball
Grant County Red Tails emphasize mentorship while earning dramatic home victory
MATTAWA — The Grant County Red Tails (6-5) are the Basin’s newest professional basketball team. Part of The Basketball League, the Red Tails aren’t only focused on hoops, they’re also driven by community service. “We came together because we saw the need, number one, that we could revitalize the mentorship and the leadership things that are missing in this community, with touch points, with kids and families and family engagement, being in such a rural area, and we wanted to really take advantage of that and be the answer,” Co-Founder Antonio Williams said. Alongside Doug Foodies and Ryan Purdie, the trio has brought another option for entertainment to Mattawa and Grant County as a whole. Williams pointed to a new jail being built in the area as motivation for pursuing this endeavor, he said.