THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Grand Junction High School Athletics

Grand Junction was determined not to suffer another overtime loss to Durango. That's why the 1-1 tie against the Demons at Canyon View Park on Tuesday wasn't all that bad. The Tigers (10-3-1, 4-2-1 Southwestern League) had many chances to take the lead or get the win in both overtime periods. The young Tigers — 12 freshmen and sophomores on the roster — have played well this season and are now on the verge of making the Class 5A playoffs. On Tuesday, a pair of freshmen teamed up to tie the game at 1-1 in the first half when Katy Coffin assisted on a goal by Laney Laffler. "They've showed a lot of chemistry together, they create a lot of offensive opportunities," Grand Junction coach Joe Graham said. "They are really dangerous because they play so well together, plus they rally together and play great defense," Those things summed up the Tigers' play against Durango. In the first overtime period, Coffin had the only real scoring opportunity after a hand-ball call on Durango, but Coffin's indirect kick from 25 yards sailed high. The Tigers had opportunities in the second overtime with Laffler, Isa Sanchez and Dolcie Hanlon all getting shots on goal. Durango (5-7-1, 3-3-1 SWL) also had some good chances in the second overtime but Grand Junction goalkeeper Kaylee Lacy was up to the challenge. The senior made a nice diving save going to her right, then made two more saves later in the period. Laffler had a great chance off a good pass from Keeli Stephens in the 68th minute, but Laffler's shot in the box slammed off the crossbar. Defensively, junior Tatum Niemeyer directed several balls out of trouble, including heading a corner kick out of the box. After losing 3-2 in double overtime at Durango, Niemeyer said they were determined to hold on. "I think we all really wanted it and didn't want to go out like we did the last time we played them. We kept fighting in the game, and a tie is not a loss," she said. Grand Junction currently sits at No. 18 in the RPI with the top 32 teams making the playoffs. Montrose 2, Central 1, 2OT: Alaina Siemers scored on a goal assisted Kaitlyn Milholland, but the Indians (5-8-1, 2-5 SWL) sent the Warriors (5-9, 1-7) to their third straight loss.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Grand Junction High School Athletics

TIE WITH DURANGO A POSITIVE FOR TIGERS' SOCCER TEAM

DALE SHRULL

The Daily Sentinal | 5/2/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Christopher Tomlinson