FINAL SCORE:  Columbia Basin  2  Walla Walla 1

Kassadi Suitonu's go-ahead goal was the difference for Columbia Basin as they defeated rival Walla Walla 2-1 on Saturday. Suitonu gathered the loose ball off a Zoe Asue corner kick and parked it in the upper 90 for the eventual game winner.

CBC struck first in the 31st minute with Charly Scherbarth scoring off a Shayne Ashe touch in the box also during a corner kick for the opening goal of the game. Scherbarth, who's been a spark plug off the bench for Basin was able to wiggle into the mix and get her foot on the ball sending it past the Warrior keeper. CBC's back line again turned in a stout performance on defense allowing just the lone goal in the second half.

During a free kick for Walla Walla, the well-struck ball challenged RiaJo Schwartz in goal. The ball bounced off Schwartz's outstretched hand into the crossbar before landing and being cleared by the CBC keeper. However, much to the protest of the Hawk bench, the AR ruled that the ball had crossed the line despite the CBC defense adamantly disagreeing.

After wearing Walla Walla's counter punch, CBC dug in and began to press the Warriors looking for goal number 2. In the 75th minute, Suitonu was able to notch the game winner off the corner. Basin's defense continued to press even after the goal refusing to relax on offense. Walla Walla wasn't able to muster a strong enough attack as the final whistle sounded for the 2-1 win.

The win helps keep CBC right next to North Idaho in the East with the Hawks controlling their own destiny for a region title. They will take on the Cardinals in Idaho on Saturday the 23 in what will more than likely decide the East Region winner.