Gilroy hammers North Salinas 8-0; Vikings only league team to
score a goal against Gilroy
Gilroy – At times Gilroy’s intensity has been questioned during Mission Trail Athletic League field hockey action.
That wasn’t the case Tuesday at Garcia-Elder Complex. Kelly Perkins and Russhelle Preeshl gave a clinic in passing and scoring as the Mustangs overwhelmed North Salinas 8-0, clinching the MTAL title.
The Vikings are the only league team to score against GHS this season, dropping a 5-1 decision last month. The Mustangs were determined it wasn’t going to happen again. And besides, Perkins says there is no love lost between the schools.
“They thought if they played well they would beat us,” Perkins said. “We wanted to show them something. We wanted to beat this team badly.”
Perkins scored a career-high five goals and was assisted on four of them by Preeshl. They teamed for three goals in the first 15 minutes of the game when Gilroy (11-4-1 overall, 10-0 MTAL) rushed to a 5-0 lead.
“Roshi always knows where to pass the ball and the perfect speed,” Perkins said. “She’s as good a passer as anyone on our team.”
Dana Schoeneman got the Mustangs’ first goal seven minutes into the contest, assisted by the Spellman sisters – Amanda and Laura. Preeshl scored GHS third goal, assisted by Erin Magill. It was one of three assists for Magill.
Amanda Spellman started the second-half scoring. Elise Ogle had two second-half assists.
“North Salinas has speed; you beat speed with good passing,” coach Erin Gemar said. “Their speed kept us on our feet. It helped the girls keep up the intensity.
“Roshi, Kelly and Erin were really connecting. But they have done that for us well throughout their careers. When they’re on, they’re unbeatable. The girls talked about reaching double figures (in scoring). But we’ll take the shutout.”
At the end of the first half, North Salinas (8-2-1) had its best rush on the GHS goal but goalie Caitlyn Pierotti and the Mustangs’ defense was equal to the task. Other than that, much of the game was played inside the Vikings’ 30.
Stan Marple praised the skill level of GHS, but refused to bite when asked if it would be better for the Mustangs to compete in a different league at a higher level.
“In the last 10 years, North Salinas has finished first or second in the league,” Marple said. “I’d like for us to figure a way to make the league more competitive.”
With Gilroy having outscored MTAL opponents 84-1 this season, it could hardly be less competitive for the Mustangs.
JV: The GHS junior varsity tied North Salinas 2-2. Mandi Jo Torres and Marissa McBride scored the Mustangs’ goals.
