EPHRATA — Freshman forward Skarlett Sanchez scored Ephrata’s lone goal with an assist from midfielder and fellow freshman Sophie Molitor, but the Tigers fell 2-1 to Eastmont in their girls soccer season opener Tuesday night.

Eastmont broke through with a goal in the closing two minutes of the first half and added another at the 29:33 mark early in the second. Ephrata answered midway through the second half when Sanchez converted off the pass from Molitor.

“We can play with anyone, including upper-level teams,” Ephrata head coach Gary Klepec said. “Eastmont was an excellent team and we were able to match up well with them. Their offense was extremely strong, which tested us defensively.”

Klepec commended Ephrata's offensive effort. “Our offense was very encouraging. The way our passing and movement off the ball contributed to our success was great to see,” he said. “We are very proud of the way the girls played, especially for it being our first game.”

The Tigers generated 10 shots on goal, while goalkeeper Aiyana Valle made 18 saves to keep Ephrata within striking distance. Despite Valle’s strong play in the net, Eastmont controlled possession for much of the match and capitalized on its chances.

“Our goalkeeper, Aiyana Valle, had an excellent game and made many great saves that kept us in it,” Klepec said. “Our defense did a great job, and we are still working to play as a unit a bit more fluently. But that will come as we play more together.”

Ephrata’s next match is Saturday, Sept. 13, at noon against East Valley (Yakima). The Red Devils opened their season with a 4-3 win at home over Walla Walla and a scoreless draw at Eisenhower to enter at 1-0-1.

Scoring
First half — Eastmont, 38th minute
Second half — Eastmont, 51st; Ephrata, Skarlett Sanchez (assist Sophie Molitor), 61st