ENGLEWOOD — Aubrie Pike knew that her window of opportunity to score a goal wouldn’t be open long.
Her Kent Denver teammate, Nicole Campbell, had just taken a shot on goal that was stopped — but not controlled — by Fountain Valley keeper Heather Whitham.
In a mad dash for the ball, Pike got to it first and knocked the ball into the back of the net for what proved to be the game’s only goal as the No. 10 Sun Devils defeated the No. 23 Danes 1-0 in a Class 3A State Tournament first round game at Kent Denver High School on May 9.
Kent Denver defeated No. 7 Resurrection Christian on May 12 and won 3-2 to advance to the quarterfinals, where they will take on No. 2 Faith Christian on May 17. The Sun Devils scored all three of their goals against Resurrection Christian in the second half. Campbell, Havana McElvaine and Natalie Ricci scored for Kent Denver.
“I was just staying on my toes, following the ball and saw the goalie bobbled it, so I managed to get a foot on it and knock it in,” Pike said.
The Sun Devils (8-5-4), winners of five of their last six games, controlled possession throughout the contest, and in the second half peppered Whitham with shots and scoring chances, but were unable to push across another goal.
“I’d say we were a little disappointed that we didn’t get another goal,” Pike said. “But, it’s the playoffs and we’re happy to get the win and advance to the next round. It was also great to play on our home field in front of our family and friends.”
Pike, one of just four seniors on the Kent Denver roster, said the team has really worked hard to improve its play the second half of the season.
“I think we just started to come together more as a team,” the midfielder said. “As the season went on we got a better feel for how everyone plays and were able to have better flow and possession.”
Kent Denver 1, Fountain Valley 0
Ftn. Valley 0 0 — 0
Kent Denver 1 0 — 1
Goals: Aubrie Pike, 30th. Shots: Kent Denver 7, Fountain Valley 0. Saves: Heather Whitham (Fountain Valley) 6. Corners: Kent Denver 2, Fountain Valley 0.