On Thursday night Prep girls’ soccer took the 10-minute trek up I-5 to rival Bishop Blanchet. The student section was packed and ready for what became a truly exhilarating game. Prep took a 6-0 record into the match having not allowed a goal all season. Blanchet came in at 2-3 looking to steal one from their bitter rivals.

Prep Coach Andy Hendricks’ starting lineup was stacked with experience, having five seniors and four juniors leading the way. Play opened up with a back-and-forth tempo for the first 20 minutes. Sophomore goalkeeper Vivian Russell had multiple fine saves as Blanchet pressured up-field on offense. Prep’s stellar defense was tested early, and it became clear that Blanchet’s midfield had come to play. The speedy Prep frontline managed a few runs but couldn’t get much inside the box. Late in the first half both teams had chances but neither defense let up. Halftime arrived with a very even half in the books and a big 0-0 on the scoreboard.

Prep came out firing, dominating the first 15 minutes of play in the second half. Seniors Emory Bozzuti and Libby Smith worked the right sideline, rewarding Prep with a couple of corners early. After relentless battling on Blanchet’s half of the field, Prep finally found an opening. Bozzuti put together a beautiful dribble series, flew past a defender, and delivered a fantastic left-footed strike from 25 out to break the tie in the 48^th minute.

After more Prep pressure from midfielder Audrey Cromett ’24 and forward Adri Torres ‘26, and another great save from Russell, Blanchet decided to make things interesting. A killer strike from 25 out found the back of the net, handing Prep their first goal allowed, and tying the game at one apiece in the 71^st minute. The next seven minutes were chaos as both teams scrambled for the lead. The decisive blow came in the 78^th minute as a crowded volley in the box resulted in another Blanchet goal.

Prep didn’t give up there. With the dwindling clock they managed to continue to attack, earning a couple of corners and multiple shot attempts. Despite these chances, however, Blanchet prevailed 2-1, handing Prep their first loss of the season. Regardless, the game was nothing short of spectacular – an entertaining match to say the least. The team will look to bounce back in Metro play next Tuesday vs. Roosevelt and cannot wait for the possibility of a playoff rematch against Blanchet.