By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– McNary-grad and Chemeketa sophomore Bethany Villegas had herself a game in the Storm’s 4-1 victory over Portland Community College on Friday afternoon.
As big of a game as it was, recording a three goal Hat Trick in the victory, Villegas’ three goals were crucial in Chemetka’s victory to remain unbeaten in NWAC South Region Play at 6-0-2 on the season.
The Panthers of Portland struck first, Villegas scored in the 33rd minute to tie it up. Coming out of the halftime break, in the 51st minute, Villegas came screaming in on a corner kick, aiming for the back post of the goal and straight up with the goalie, and headed a goal in to give Chemeketa the 2-1 lead.
“(Head Coach) Lu (Wentz) told me to stand right there and told me to run straight at the goal,” starts Villegas. “I saw that Clarissa (Lemus) was going front post, so I went back post, and I saw that my opportunities was there.”
Villegas added her third goal minutes later to give the Storm an insurance goal up 3-1. Chemeketa got their fourth goal in the closing minutes of the game to help close out the game with a three-goal second half. The win itself also extends the Storm’s unbeaten streak to eight going into Wednesday’s home game with Clackamas with the second loop through conference fully underway.
“We know how to play our game, and we know how we play together. It’s better to play short ball and simple passes instead of long balls and communicate,” said Villegas of the second half. “We started off in a really motivating way, and if we stick that way, we can make it to playoffs and be first in our league.”
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
