A very strong and quick Durango team ran off to a 9-0 girls soccer win over Montezuma-Cortez High School Tuesday afternoon, March 14, at Norman Johnson Memorial Field. The game was a Southwestern League contest.

"They have a very quick team and I think our girls were surprised at just how quick they are," MCHS head coach Barb Cullington said. "We were not prepared for their speed."

The Demons attacked in the middle which was left vulnerable during the first half. Durango scored three quick goals in the first eight minutes of play.

"That took us right out of our gameplan in the first half," Cullington added.

DHS eventually led 6-0 at the half.

"We made some adjustments and closed up the middle where Durango was doing all its scoring. Instead of chasing after the ball and worrying about the wings, we started playing better defense in the second half," she added.

MCHS goalie Nikki Fuchs made 30 saves as the Demons pounded the goal.

But as in most games, there were some bright spots. The Panthers also made 10 shots on goal. In past years, the Panthers managed only a few shots. She also cited the play of left halfback Tammy Henry.

The Panthers got off to a good start for the spring 2000 season with a 1-0 win over Telluride on March 11 at Johnson Field.

MCHS only score of the game came at about the 24-minute mark in the first half. Linda Smart passed to Nicole Stephens who scored following a corner kick.

The home team completely dominated play against the Miners. Cortez outshot Telluride 35-12. Stephens got seven shots, Smart four and midfielder Tabby Gallegos managed to shoot five times. The other attempts were scattered among the rest of the players.

"We hammered their goal," Cullington reported. "I would not call our shots hard ones, but we did get off quite a few attempts. I was pleased because it showed we were setting some shots up."

She thought the performance was strong all over.

"We dominated on offense and we did not make many mistakes. Our defense did very well," she added.

Fuchs made 12 saves.

"She made a tremendous save with about five minutes left in the second half. The ball was heading to the corner and she tipped it away, saving the shutout. The others were mostly routine pickups," Cullington commented.

She cited the defensive play of fullback Sara Snyder.

"We did have a number of fouls called on us. But I attribute that to our aggressive play," she added.

A number of girls got into the game, according to Cullington. She said she played 18 of them. Cullington said there is still time and room for some more girls to come on out and participate.