2023 Desert Vista Vs Pinnacle Varsity | Livestream | Agla Girls Lacrosse | Apr 4

The Desert Vista High School Thunder Stadium was set to be the battleground for a Division One Arizona Girls Lacrosse Association matchup between the Desert Vista Thunder and the Pinnacle Pioneers. Both teams were desperate for a win, with only one division victory each so far. The stakes were high, and the excitement was palpable in the air.

Desert Vista came into the game with a rough start to the season but had a healthy roster for this crucial matchup. The return of goalkeeper Ashley Piazza Stark and midfielder Avery Rogers after injuries provided a much-needed boost. Additionally, freshman players Jackie Jimenez and Olivia Opart had been standout performers, leading the team in various statistical categories. Desert Vista was ready to fight for their chance to climb up the standings.

On the other side, Pinnacle had their own star players in Savannah Souza, Kiara Briggs, and Bryn Davis. Souza had been exceptional throughout the season, with 12 goals and 4 assists. Davis had also made her presence felt with 25 points so far. Defensively, Kinsey Novak and Naomi Rose had been standout performers for Pinnacle, with Novak leading the league in cause turnovers.

With both teams eager for a win, this matchup was bound to be a thrilling one. Desert Vista aimed to improve their position from fifth place, while Pinnacle was also looking to climb up the standings. The tension was high as the game was about to kick off.

A Game of Possession and Dominance

The game got off to a slightly delayed start due to the players having to take the ACT test the next day. But that didn't dampen the excitement as Desert Vista arrived undefeated in the division after a thrilling overtime victory against the Chandler Huskies the previous night. Chandler held the second spot with a 2-1 record, making the outcome of this game even more crucial.

From the start, it was clear that Pinnacle was determined to dominate possession. Although the first draw between Opart and Souza didn't go as planned, resulting in an alternate possession that favored Pinnacle, Desert Vista's Delaney Adamic quickly made her presence known by knocking down Pinnacle's attempted pass. The game was off to an intense start.

The cool night air added to the buzz and anticipation of the matchup. Both teams fought valiantly to gain control and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Pinnacle took an early lead with goals from Souza and Delaney McEwen, showcasing their offensive prowess. Desert Vista managed to find the back of the net through Elise Matthews but struggled to maintain consistency against Pinnacle's strong defense.

Despite Desert Vista's best efforts, Pinnacle continued to dominate possession and pile on the goals. Souza and McEwen extended their team's lead, while Desert Vista's Jackie Jimenez and Avery Rogers managed to find the back of the net as well. But Pinnacle's offensive and defensive performances were too strong, and Desert Vista couldn't quite close the gap.

A Hard-Fought Battle: Pinnacle Emerges Victorious

The second half of the game saw Pinnacle pulling away and solidifying their lead. Ashley Piazza of Pinnacle made a crucial save against Desert Vista's McEwen, demonstrating her goalkeeping prowess. Pinnacle's defense kept up the pressure, causing turnovers and disrupting Desert Vista's rhythm. Pinnacle's Brent Davis scored a hat trick, reinforcing their lead along with goals from Souza and McEwen.

Desert Vista's Rogers, returning from an ACL tear, showed her determination and skill by also scoring a hat trick. However, despite their efforts, Desert Vista couldn't catch up to Pinnacle's dominant performance. Pinnacle maintained control of the game, winning draw controls and dictating the pace.

In the end, Pinnacle emerged victorious with a final score of 10-6. Their ability to control possession, create scoring opportunities, and perform exceptionally on both offense and defense proved to be the deciding factor. Desert Vista fought hard, but they couldn't break through Pinnacle's defense consistently or maintain possession long enough to mount a comeback.

The game showcased the talent and skill of both teams, with Pinnacle coming out on top this time. However, Desert Vista's continued improvement and resilience throughout the game were commendable. The battle was intense, and both teams left everything on the field.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future

Although the outcome of this particular matchup didn't go in Desert Vista's favor, there were still plenty of positives to take away. Desert Vista showed strength and determination, especially with the return of key players and the impressive performances from newcomers. Their ability to adapt and compete against tough opponents bodes well for their future games.

As the season progresses, both Desert Vista and Pinnacle will continue to fight for a spot in the playoffs. The race is tight, and every game will carry enormous importance. The lessons learned from this matchup will serve as valuable knowledge for future battles.

The excitement and intensity of lacrosse were on full display in this game between Desert Vista and Pinnacle. Both teams showcased their skills, resilience, and love for the sport. The season is far from over, and there are bound to be more thrilling matchups in the weeks to come. Lacrosse enthusiasts can't wait to see what's next in the world of Arizona Girls Lacrosse Association.