Hawks, Cougars get 1-6A victories

It’s already clear how ruthlessly competitive the District 1-6A boys soccer campaign is going to be.

Volcano Vista needed two overtimes on Thursday to outlast Rio Rancho. Meanwhile, Cibola edged Cleveland as what is arguably New Mexico’s most competitive league kicked off a five-week run to the end of the regular season.

Collin Houser’s goal for the Hawks (6-3-1) in the 92nd minute gave Volcano Vista a dramatic 2-1 win over the Rams (6-7).

Larsen Rogers had assists on both Volcano Vista goals.

At the APS Complex, Benjamin Rogers and Chance Ford tallied three minutes apart in the first half, and the Cougars (6-3 overall) defeated Cleveland 2-1 in the other 1-6A opener on Thursday.

For the Storm, it was only its second loss of the season. Cleveland is 11-2 overall.

GIRLS: St. Pius had its second shutout of the week, although this one was far more competitive than the first.

The Sartans blanked Valencia 5-0, and improved to 7-4-1 overall and 2-0 in District 5-5A.

Tatiana Limon had a pair of goals for St. Pius, while both Kori Tellez and Sierra Saenz each added a goal and an assist.

The St. Pius defense limited the Jaguars to just one shot on goal. The Sartans have scored 21 goals in their two wins this week.

Hope Christian blasted Del Norte 10-0 on Thursday as the Huskies won for the eighth time in 10 games this season. The Huskies fired 26 shots on goal in their win.

This was Hope’s last nondistrict game before opening up league action on Saturday at Portales. Bianca Sikora had a hat trick Thursday for the Huskies. Shea Auge added two goals.