This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The chatter was nonstop.
Even with a two-goal lead, the 11 voices on the pitch for Hillcrest drowned out visiting Granger. Led by Halah Knah, who called plays and directed traffic, the Huskies played loose and poised. It wasn't until freshman Kaylee Allen subbed in, did they erupt in celebration.
Allen fought her way to the front of the box and waited for the cross. Taking the ball, she knew she had to put a curve on it and get it where the Lancer goalie was not. Uncorking a howitzer, Allen snapped the ball into the net.
"We've been working with a trainer to size up and put the right spin on the ball," Allen said of her second goal on the season. "I knew I had to kick it with power because Granger wasn't going to attack it."
Hillcrest remains undefeated in Region 2 with the 5-0 victory over Granger.
Led by Khan, the Huskies persevered with sharp passing and flowing execution of attacks on goal. Khan said they've worked out the early kinks on the season of not controlling the backfield. It was fixed by communication and trusting each other.
"We worked communication drills and when we made mistakes we did push-ups. Nobody likes doing push-ups," Khan said. "It was drilled in to our heads to work together and to know everyone will do their job."
Khan was one of five Huskies to score. Having a team where any player can connect and make the right shot on goal makes Hillcrest an imposing squad for the postseason.'
"We all have worked hard to put ourselves in the right place to make the right shot," Khan said. "It's about doing the work and making sure we work together."
Hillcrest goalkeeper Nicole Jessen recorded her fifth shutout on the season.
Coach Megan Beckstead was impressed by her squad's performance. With an eye squarely on the postseason competition, Beckstead said repeating as regional champions will give her team the motivation to fight for a state title.
"We'd like to end the season not just region champs but undefeated," Beckstead said. —
Storylines
• Hillcrest remains undefeated in Region 2 play improving to 8-0.
• Huskie goalkeeper Nicole Jessen notches her fifth shutout on the season.
• Halah Khan scored her fourth goal on the season. The senior lead the attack in the 5-0 victory over Granger. Box Score
Hillcrest 5, Granger 0
Granger 0 0 0
Hillcrest 3 2 5
Scoring
Hillcrest: Emily Sorge (3'), Halah Khan (6'), Kaylee Allen (34'), Taryn Pritchett (44'), Skye Jeffries (48')
Bullet Points
1.Hillcrest remains undefeated in Region 2 play improving to 8-0.
2.Huskie goalkeeper Nicole Jessen notches her fifth shutout on the season.
3.Halah Khan scored her fourth goal on the season. The senior lead the attack in the 5-0 victory over Granger.