The Carson High girls soccer team scored all three of their goals in the first half and Allison Kop led the defense as the Senators beat Reed 3-2 on Tuesday.
Along with Kop, goalie Krissy Rose, who played in her first varsity game ever, recorded 12 saves in the victory. Rose has replaced the graduated Pam Williams, a four-year starter who set a conference record last season by allowing only eight goals.
"Overall, we played well," Carson coach Mike Popp said. "It's always nice to win, especially since we had two injured and two sick players."
After falling behind 1-0 in the first half, all three of Carson's goals came within a six-minute span.
Junior Emily Maier, who played with a sprained ankle, tied the game at 1-1 just five minutes after the Raiders scored. Then Erin Stieber and Erika Landis each scored goals in the 25th and 26th minute to give the Senators a 3-1 halftime lead.
The Raiders closed the gap to 3-2 mid-way through the second half but wouldn't get any closer.
Senior outside mid-fielder Bria Dankworth, who Popp said played extremely well on the wing, also recorded an assist in the match.
The season-opening win shouldn't come as any big surprise, considering Carson reigned as Northern 4A zone champions in 1998 and as the runner-up in '99. Don't expect to see the Senators drop off any this season, either.
"I think this is the best team Carson has had in a few years," said Popp, who mentioned that his team only has five seniors on the roster. "I think we'll be a contender as long as we stay healthy."
The Senators play McQueen on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Reno.
JUNIOR VARSITY
CARSON 2, REED 0
Sophomore Kristan Hale scored twice and freshman goalkeeper Megan Kronenberg pitched a shutout in her high school debut as the Senators won their season opener.
Hale scored at the 18:35 mark of the first half, assisted by Chrissy Katzorke, to give Carson a 1-0 lead that stood at halftime. Hale scored her second goal 4:44 into the second half, assisted by Natalie Mandoki.
Kronenberg was credited with 12 saves and was aided on the defensive end by Katie Kotter and Mary Cunningham.
