Hats off in Pierce win over Willows

It's a popular phrase in the sports world that sometimes, you just have to tip your hat to your opponent for a game well-played. The visiting Willows High soccer team had no choice but to doff their chapeaus in Arbuckle Tuesday, as senior Angel Magallon and freshman Victor Santillan both netted three-goal hat tricks in Pierce's 6-2 win over the Honkers.

The Honkers took the lead in the 15th minute on a goal by Salvador Gonzales — who also scored later in the half — but the Bears countered with four first-half goals and two more in the second for a season-opening win.

Ricardo Ambriz assisted on two of the Pierce goals, with Magallon and Antonio Ruiz also tallying assists.

Keeper Jorge Rosas thwarted eight Honker shot attempts, and the Bears hustled their way to 34 steals in the contest. Jesus Murillo and Gerardo Aceves each picked up seven, Luis Ornelas fought his way for five, and Ambriz and Francisco Padilla each came up with three.

Pierce (1-0) played at Esparto Thursday, and has a busy week next week, hosting Live Oak on Monday and Durham Tuesday, before wrapping up the week with a Thursday tilt at Williams.