(Longview, WA) -- The Lower Columbia soccer team shutout the Green River Gators 3-0 on Sophomore Day to secure their first place standing in the West Region.

Before the match on Saturday, October 21, at Northlake Field, the Red Devils took some time to honor their 13 sophomore players. 

Jennifer Baertlein, Tyleigh Madsen, Bethany Bergholm,  Jazmine Campbell, Kaylee Slade, Madison Enright, Mikaella Moreira, Jasmari Nolasco, Molly Romanchock,  Nataija Blaylock, Taylor Wilkinson,  Adalie Schierscher, and Koda Hoaglin were joined by family and friends and were honored by comments from head coach Joe Chicks.

Once the festivities were over it was time to get down to business and it didn't take long for the Devils to strike. Just over 8 minutes into the first half Blaylock took a pass from fellow sophomore Bergholm at about the 20 yard line and floated a shot just over the outstretched arms of the Green River keeper, 1-0 LCC

The Devils second goal came in the 32nd min when Ella Willardson took the ball around a Green River defender and scorched at shot into the far corner of the Gators net. It was 2-0 LCC at the half. 

The third and final goal for the Devils came in the 66th minute. Rhyli Grim took a pass from Romanchock and avoided the charging Gators goalie to sneak one into the corner to make it 3-0 LCC.

The Devils out shot the Gators 25-6. Green River's keeper was credited with 11 saves. The Devil keepers Wilkinson and Jade Goulding combined for the shutout win. 

The win helps to secure the Devils standing atop the NWAC West. LCC now sits at 29 points, followed by Clark with 23 and Pierce with 22. 

Next up for the Red Devils is a big road match on Wednesday, October 25 vs the Clark College Penguins. The game will be at 2:00 pm on Kim Christiansen Field, located next to the Clark College campus.  

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