by Al Linsky
I was really looking forward to seeing the Girls Varsity Soccer team this year as I have seen a bunch of them come up through the ranks. I also have some fond memories from last year, so I put this game high on my priority list.
Pac-5 is always a good test to see where we are at the beginning of the season. Pac-5 took control early. Real early. At one minute of the first half, Jesi Sasaki changed that and found a streaking Nicole Ha right in front of the goal. 1-0, Raiders! 
The Raiders continued to have a decent ball control advantage but didn't score again until about 20 minutes into the first half, when Jesi got another assist, this time setting up Sammi Teramae. 2-0, Lady Raiders!
Then, in one of the prettiest plays of the day, Elissa Minamishin rushed down the right side and made a perfect cross to Alyssa Simbahon who finished it off. 3-0!
The second half gave coach Chris Nied a good opportunity to see some of the reserves play. Near the end of the game, Pac-5 did get loose on a breakaway down the left side for a score to make it a bit more respectable. All in all, a very nice start to the season. Great game, girls!
