Rochester's Annabelle Nakano (3) high-fives a teammate after scoring a goal during Rochester's win over Hoquiam on Oct. 28.
The Rochester Warriors secured a decisive 6-0 victory over the Hoquiam Grizzlies on March 14, 2024, solidifying their position as the No. 3 seed in the upcoming Class 1A District 4 tournament. This impressive win concluded the Warriors’ Evergreen League campaign with a record of 6-10-1 overall and 4-4 in league play.
With standout performances throughout the match, the Warriors quickly established dominance, scoring four goals within the first 15 minutes. Kenna Pratt opened the scoring in the fourth minute, setting the tone for the evening. Sophomore Annabelle Nakano showcased her talent with a remarkable hat trick, netting goals in the eighth, tenth, and sixty-eighth minutes. Liz Hoover contributed significantly as well, scoring in the twelfth and forty-seventh minutes.
Rochester’s head coach, Matt Ashton, praised Nakano’s performance, highlighting her speed and skill on the ball. “She has speed, very quick and she’s good on the ball when she has it,” Ashton noted. The Warriors’ solid play has generated a wave of momentum as they head into the tournament.
Looking Ahead to the Tournament
As the No. 3 seed, Rochester is set to face King’s Way Christian, the No. 2 seed from the Trico League, next Tuesday. This matchup is a rematch from last year’s quarterfinals, where Rochester faced a challenging defeat, losing 6-0 to the Knights.
“This gives them a lot of momentum,” Ashton stated, reflecting on the team’s performance leading up to the tournament. “Once you get in the tournament, anything happens.” With their confidence boosted from the recent victory, the Warriors are preparing to challenge the Knights for a chance at advancing further in the tournament.
Fans and supporters of the Rochester Warriors are optimistic as the team gears up for what promises to be an exciting postseason. The Warriors will aim to build on their recent success and seek redemption in the upcoming game against King’s Way Christian.
