ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ
PENDLETON — McLoughlin ran into a tough Pendleton defense on Thursday, Oct. 16, but the Pioneers were able to hold on for a 3-0 nonleague victory.
“It was one of those games where things weren’t going our way and we had to fight deep within to get the result,” Mac-Hi coach Victor Corona said. “Glad we got that game out of our way and we can set focus on our big upcoming game which can determine the district winner.”
The Pioneers (9-3 overall) will host Special District 6 rival Riverside on Saturday. Mac-Hi won the first game 2-0.
It was the first loss in four games for the Bucks (5-6-1), who have been battling injuries.
“This was the best we have played all year,” Pendleton coach Evan Brandhagen said. “We had three starters injured and some additional injuries throughout the game. Every sub that came in played incredibly well. Jack DeGrofft had a stellar game on defense. Every single person played fantastic.”
Tucker Brunot scored the first goal for the Pioneers, while Sebastian Borges scored the second, and Adrian Camarena the third off an assist by Jacob Zuniga.
Goalkeeper Jeffrey Koch had the shutout for the eight-ranked Pioneers.
“They are a strong team,” Brandhagen said of Mac-Hi. “Holding them to three goals and missing three starters was good for us.”
Sophomore goalkeeper Thor Case had 15 saves for the Bucks.
“He had some absolutely incredible saves,” Brandhagen said.
