Bulldogs, Panthers take different routes to championship game

Justin George

Friday, Feb. 18, 2005 | 10:30 a.m.

With a virtual scrum of players shielding the ball from her view, Ali Winkelblech didn't stand a chance.

The Green Valley goalie watched as the ball rolled by her with 10 minutes to go in the Gators' 4A soccer semifinal against Centennial, lifting the Bulldogs to a 4-3 win and granting them a berth in the state championship game at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex.

Their opponent will be Palo Verde, a 3-0 winner against Silverado.

Like Palo Verde, Centennial seemed to take control immediately and appeared as though it would coast into the final, after scoring two goals within the first 10 minutes for a 2-0 lead.

Green Valley struck back quickly, though, finding the back of the net twice within the next 10 minutes to knot the game midway through the first half.

The Panthers' defense and offense were so strong the Skyhawks had control of the ball only a few times and took only a handful of long shots.

Ashleigh Green landed Palo Verde's first goal just five minutes into the game and later scored again with an assist from co-captain Kayla Lambert.

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