Paly’s varsity girls’ soccer team continues to improve its ranking in the league after defeating the Monta Vista Matadors on Wednesday, 3-1. The game was the Matadors’ first loss of the season.

Despite some good blocks by Monta Vista’s senior goalie Shandon Rovetta, the ball stayed within Monta Vista’s side of the field for most of the first half of the game.

In the first 10 minutes, junior forward Kelly Jenks assisted junior Maeve Stewart in scoring a goal. Only five minutes later, senior midfielder Jessie Duller scored an unassisted goal. At the end of the first half, senior midfielder Sammi Bengston scored to close out Paly’s offense.

In the second half, Monta Vista sophomore Sandra Ley assisted junior Michelle Pao in scoring the Matadors’ only goal. Throughout the game, Pao also made several other attempts at scoring, dribbling quickly, though perhaps more quickly than was communicated to the rest of her team.

Even though Monta Vista had been undefeated in the league going into Wednesday’s game, Paly head coach Ernesto Cruz still felt confident in the Vikings before the game.

“When we played our last game against Gunn, I felt that we were ready,” Cruz said.

Paly certainly did dominate in the first half. Not only did the Vikings secure three goals, but sophomore midfielder Gracie Marshall also helped keep Paly in the lead with several blocks and tackles.

Monta Vista battled back in the second half as junior Julie Davis tried a shot from distance, but Paly goalie Alex Kershner stretched herself out to save it.

“We had our chances but didn’t finish them,” Pao said.

Rovetta came back with some offense, but without enough teammates to back her up, Monta Vista failed in its efforts.

The possession battle slowly fell away from Paly in the second half, as several shot attempts from Rovetta kept the Matadors active.

“In the first half, we totally dominated,” Cruz said, “but in the second half, we kind of went to sleep and didn’t communicate as well.”

Duller agrees.

“We need to work on finishing the game,” Duller said.

The Vikings will play the Homestead Mustangs next on Friday.