By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– It took a minute, a half actually, for the Chemeketa Community College offense to come around. But despite the slow start, the Storm were able to finish a few of their opportunities late as they defeated Pierce 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at Corban University.
Johanna Diaz (West Salem) and Emorie Loewen (West Salem) each scored in the second 45 minute stanza, Loewen scoring in the 53rd and Diaz in the 62nd minute of the game. Diaz assisted on Loewen’s goal as well. Addison Mulkey (Parkrose) after surrendering four goals in the opening game against Highline, has anchored a Chemeketa defense with back-to-back shutouts while having a combined 11 saves over the last two games as Chemeketa enters NWAC South Region play 2-1 on the year.
These first three games, plus the scrimmage with Corban University a few days ago, have really helped the Storm find their groove going into league play.
“It’s just helping us get our tempo, the first few games we were kind of slow and not working as a team. But I feel like we’re starting to figure out, find each other and have really good chemistry finding each other on-and-off the ball,” starts Diaz. “We have a lot to work on for sure. It’s just not one thing, just being quicker and moving together is a big thing for us.”
Chemeketa will open NWAC South Region play September 2 at Umpqua. The Storm’s first home league game will be on September 9 against Klamath.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
