Win with a Mountain View

Puyallup battled a scrappy Auburn-Mt. View team and its own inexperience to earn a 21-17 season opening victory last night at the Auburn pool. While the Vikings inexperience reared its head again and again, it was Puyallup's experience that got the Vikings off to a strong start last night. Joanna Boschee' racked up three quick goals as Puyallup jumped out to a 5-2 first quarter lead. Behind two more Boschee' goals and three from Paige Boyer, Puyallup surged out to an 11-2 lead midway through the second quarter. Defensively, the Viks were solid early as well. Hope Mahnken was tough at the two-meter and Paige Boyer was constantly pressing the Lions point into turnovers and bad passes. Alex Clark, fresh off a state basketball appearance, was solid in the cage getting several key blocks including a 5 meter penalty shot. Auburn Mt. View didn't go away, however, and it climbed back into the game late in the half with three straight goals to make it 13-5 Puyallup at the half. Katie Hayes got the second half scoring started and Bianca Jimenez and Clark also recorded third quarter scores as Puyallup led 17-7 with 2:49 left in the quarter. Puyallup's offense then bogged down and didn't score again until 12 seconds left when Pam Akiona scored her first-ever goal with a sweet, low corner, under the goalie's arm shot in the shallow end.The final frame was a matter of hang on time as brand new team members got their first taste of game action. The result was predictable as Auburn Mt. View turned errant passes into fastbreak opportunities and Puyallup went scoreless for the final 3:17 of the game. Up next for the Vikings is their first home game of the year this Friday against Sumner. Sumner also won its opener against Auburn. Game time is 7:30