NORWALK — Ninth-ranked Norwalk (15-4) scored in the fourth minute of play Monday for a quick 1-0 lead to set an early tone en route to a 4-1 win over Perry (11-6) in their Class 2A Region 4 Final to secure a spot at the state tournament.
The Warriors added their second score of the game in the 20th minute and held a 2-0 edge at the intermission. Goals just three minutes apart — in the 43rd and 46th minutes — all but ended any doubt.
Perry fought gamely and managed to avoid being shut out when Jacqueline Guardado beat the Norwalk keeper in the 74th minute. The goal was the eighth of the season for the freshman.
Guardado had the only shots on goal for the Jayettes. Goalie Carly Anderson had nine saves between the pipes for Perry.
Three seniors — Grace Marburger, Mariah McNamara and Joselyn Perla — played their final game for Perry in the loss. The trio helped the team finish 37-31 in their four years, including three double-digit victory campaigns and consecutive appearances in the regional finals.
Perry’s six losses this season were all against stout competition. The Jayettes fell to Class 1A state tourney qualifiers Gilbert and North Polk and to three teams — ADM, Newton and Norwalk — who will play in the 2A state tourney. The other loss was to 3A Des Moines Lincoln, a testament to the toughness of play exhibited by the team.
Thanks for the great coverage all year, Jeff. We appreciate it!
My pleasure, Tom, and thanks! A big shout out to assistant coach Courtney Bahney for always being quick with the stats and to answer any questions. I hope that the tremendous success of the Bluejay soccer team does not take away any of the credit the Jayettes deserve for an outstanding season and the promise of even better to come!