EPHRATA – The Ephrata booters struggled to gain traction in an 8-1 loss against a high-powered East Valley offense Saturday.

Sophomore Paige Murray scored the Tigers’ only goal late in the first half, cutting the deficit to 2-1 at halftime. But the visiting Red Devils struck quickly after the break, surging to a 5-1 lead by the 20-minute mark.

The match turned more difficult for the Tigers when keeper Aiyana Valle left with a concussion injury after colliding with an East Valley player in the goal box.

Before her injury, Valle recorded eight saves. Tiger midfielder Mckinnley Graaff stepped in to finish the game in net.

On offense, the Tigers did put 12 shots on goal, with Brooklynne Addink and Delanie Killinger each registering three. Murray, Brooklynn Sieverkropp and Jill Linehan added two apiece.

Ephrata coach Gary Klepec said he has been pleased by how his players have handled adversity despite two season-opening losses. Looking ahead, the Tigers will focus on sharpening their defense and creating more scoring opportunities, he indicated.

Klepec said they’ll also need to find a keeper to take Aiyana’s place in goal until she’s able to return.

Ephrata (0-2) heads to Othello on Tuesday while East Valley (2-0-1) hosts Grandview. Both matches kick off at 6 p.m.

Elsewhere in central Washington soccer action Saturday, Ellensburg defeated visiting Prosser, 3-2; Sunnyside scored a 3-0 shutout at home against Grandview; undefeated Quincy edged visiting Othello, 1-0; Eisenhower picked up a 1-0 road win over Toppenish; and Selah defeated Davis at home 1-0.