FINAL SCORE: Columbia Basin 1 Yakima Valley 0.

In a must-win game today, Columbia Basin would have to take on Yakima without midfielder Dani Chang. Coming into the match, the Hawks switched formation to a 4-2-3-1 to keep the game close early. The defense lead by Mya Spencer and Madison Liedkie helped turn away any chance of attack from Yakima. Freshman Marae Romero came close to an early goal in the opening minutes but the keeper was able to beat her to the ball to save the easy goal.

During the half, both Yakima and CBC traded blows fighting for possession. After grinding for 45 minutes, both teams entered the halftime scoreless.

Coach Anderson couldn't have been happier with his team's effort and execution. "We made a few adjustments going into the game and the ladies stuck to the plan and saw it through."

Immediately into the second half, Bailey Whitney caught a header off a Megan Haugen pass that got by the keeper for a beautiful goal. Assistant coach Kendra Selle was especially supportive of Whitney's efforts today. "Bailey just has a way of coming up clutch with crucial goals in big games." Together the CBC freshman have shined bright after a slew of injuries have forced some new faces into the spotlight.

As the half continued, CBC's freshman helped stifle the Yakima attack. "Massive praise to our freshman who are stepping up and taking the challenge head on. Today we were tenacious and motivated to come away with the shutout." said Anderson.

The victory propels the Hawks to 12-1-2 on the year and into sole possession of 2nd place in the East Region in front of Yakima. They will travel to Treasure Valley on Wednesday to take on the Chukars before coming home on Saturday to face Blue Mountain.