Vikings get defensive in win over Auburn

Puyallup made it four wins in a row as it defeated Auburn 22-8 last night at Puyallup. While the Vikings have been tearing off goals at a record clip all season--they lead the league in goals scored-- the focus against Auburn was to play aggressive defense. Alex Clark, Hope Mahnken and Katie Hayes stood tall defensively for the Viks as their stops and blocks lead to fast break after fast break which resulted in easy scores for Lauren Griffin and Paige Boyer. Griffin scored three goals in the first quarter and Boyer added two as Puyallup jumped out to a 8-1 first quarter lead. Boyer helped her own cause with incredible pressing defense on Auburn's point position which forced the Trojans to throw into the defensive maelstrom that was Mahnken, Hayes and Clark. A first-ever goal by Katarina Ost, two from Katie Hayes, and single goals from Sam Evans and Griffin pushed the Viking lead to 13-4 at halftime. In the second half, Katie Wells took over in the goal where Clark left off. She probably had the play of the night as she stopped a five meter penalty shot by Auburn's Kellie Wietstock. Puyallup's team defense turned in anther sterling play with 3:30 to play, when in a double down situation, stopped Auburn's power play with just four girls in the water. Shanna Josephson, with her first-ever goal, closed out the scoring and the Trojans with just 12 seconds to play. Next up for the Viks is Auburn-Riverside at Auburn on Thursday at 7:30 pm. It is the middle game of three in a row for Puyallup. The Vikings travel to Rogers on Friday afternoon to face Emerald Ridge in a pivotal league battle. Game time for ER is 3:30.